NRI punjab news- 2013

Punjab News:

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MAJITHIA SUSPENDS NAIB TEHSILDAR ON GRAFT CHARGES

Chandigarh November 12: Punjab Revenue Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today issued orders to suspend Som Lal, Naib Tehsildar ( now available ) for posting on the charges of corruption with immediate effect.

According to an official spokesperson the Minister also directed the authorities concerned to initiate vigilance probe against the erring officer and submit the report within one month. It may be mentioned here that a complaint was received against him during his tenure as Naib Tehsildar, Mukerian
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SECRETARY DISTRICT LEGAL SERVICE AUTHORITIES TO HOLD JAIL LOK ADALATS

Chandigarh, November 14:

Punjab and Haryana High Court has conferred the powers of Special Judicial Magistrate (First Class) to Secretary District Legal Service Authorities for holding Jail Lok Adalats/Camp Courts in the Jails of Punjab for a period of one year. A notification in this regard has been issued.

Disclosing this a spokesman said that Acting Chief Justice and Judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court have conferred upon the members of P.C.S. (JB) working as Secretary District Legal Service Authorities, all the powers of Special Judicial Magistrate (First Class) for holding Jail Lok Adalats/Camp Courts in all Jails of the State for a period of one year retrospectively with effect from the date they started holding such Jail Lok Adalats/Camp Courts in the Jails.

He further said that Territorial Jurisdiction of Sh. Arun Kumar Aggarwal would be Amritsar and Sh. Varun Nagpal has conferred powers of Special Judicial Magistrate (First Class) for holding Jail Lok Adalats/Camp Courts for Tarn Taran.

Similarly Ms. Tripat Jot Kaur for Barnala, Ms. Jasbir Kaur for Bathinda, Ms. Archana Kamboj for Faridkot, Sh. Gurpartap Singh for Fatehgarh Sahib, Sh. Madan Lal for Ferozepur, Sh. Vikrant Kumar for Fazilka, Sh. Gurnam Singh Dhillon for Gurdaspur, Ms. Rashmi Sharma for Hoshiarpur, Ms. Rana Kanwar Deep Kaur for Jalandhar, Ms. Manila Chugh for Kapurthala, Sh. Krishan Kumar Singla for Ludhiana, Ms. Amandeep Kaur Mansa, Ms. Neetika Verma Moga, Sh. Aashish Abrol Pathankot, Sh. Kapil Aggarwal for Patiala, Dr. Gopal Arora for Rupnagar, Sh. Tarn Taran Singh Bindra for Mohali, Sh. Mohit Bansal for Sangrur, Ms. Shikha Goel for SBS Nagar and Daljit Singh Ralhan has conferred powers of Special Judicial Magistrate (First Class) for holding Jail Lok Adalats/Camp Courts for Sri Muktsar Sahib.

PUNJAB TO JOIN HAND WITH LOCKHEED MARTIN FOR COST EFFECTIVE NANO TECHNOLOGY SOLAR PANELS ON CANALS

· COMPANY TO PROVIDE LATEST TECHNOLOGY FOR ENERGY FROM PADDY STRAW

· TO INK A MOU WITH LOCKHEED MARTIN GROUP FOR WASTE TO ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Chandigarh, November 14: Punjab today took a major step to realize the dream of augmenting 1000 MW solar power in next there years as it decided to join hands with US global security and aerospace company Lockheed Martin, that would provide plastic structures for solar panels on canals by using nano-technology. The company would also provide state of art technology to convert paddy straw into energy solving the lingering problem of paddy straw burning in the state. The Punjab government and Lockheed Martin would ink a MoU in this regard.

This decision was taken in a meeting between Punjab Non-Conventional Energy Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia and three member high level team of Lockheed Martin comprising Mr. Phil Shaw, CEO, Mr. Tushar Shah. Chief Innovation Officer and Mr. Jagmohan Singh, Regional Director. Mr. Anirudh Tewari, Secretary, Power and Renewable Energy and Dr. Amar Pal Singh CEO, PEDA also took part in the meeting.

Interacting with the company CEO Mr. Majithia said that he was moving with the similar mission to meet 15% demand of energy of the state form the clean energy.. He said that the Punjab government has decided to explore around 5000 Kms of canal lengths for putting solar panels but due to heavy cost of structures, it becomes unviable. He said that if Lockheed Martin could develop cheaper but durable plastic structures then this area has a huge potential to be harnessed in future. He expressed confidence that with the nano technology solar panel developed by US company, the Punjab would be able to make solar power generation cost effective, attracting international investors to invest in this area. It would further serve the twin purposes of generation of clean energy and check the evaporation of canal waters.

Mr. Majithia pointed out that the state was facing a serious issue of burning of paddy stubble causing a major damage to the fertility of land as well as polluting the environment. He said that it could only be taken care of if the farmers could get additional income in lieu of their agricultural residue. He further said that Punjab with just having 2 % of total geographical area of country and purely agri-based economy has scarcity of land for big renewable energy projects.. He said that numbers of companies were interested in management of solid municipal waste, but the State government was ready to offer Lockheed Martin to set up a demonstration project of 1-2 MW.

Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Phil Shaw, CEO informed the Minister that their company has come out with waste to energy conversion solutions with successful conversion of waste products to electricity, heat and fuel by using gasification processes. He said that it was an environmentally friendly green recycling technology which requires low space and these plants were fully automated. He said that wood chips, agri-waste, sewage sludge, plastics, municipal solid waste and hospital waste could be used for these plants. On this occasion, Mr. Tushar Shah, Chief Innovation Officer said that they have also developed a technology for making durable and affordable plastic by using nano-technology for using it for making structures of solar panels for canals.

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SPECIAL MONITORING CELL TEAMS RAIDS 737 SCHOOLS ACROSS THE STATE

· 35 TEACHERS WERE ABSENT, 40 LATE COMERS AND 23 TEACHERS FOUND LONG TIME ABSENTEE

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 14:

On the directions of Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister Punjab, Special teams of the Education Department conducted surprise checks in 737 Schools of the State with the aim of ensuring punctuality and discipline in the Schools. Three Circles namely Jalandhar, Faridkot and Nabha (Patiala) were visited by the special teams at the same time.

Divulging the details a spokesperson of the department said that during the special checking total 35 teachers were found absent while 40 teachers were late whereas 23 teachers were found long time absentees. He said that immediately after opening the schools special teams visited 272 schools of Jalandhar Circle, 258 schools of Nabha (Patiala) Circle and 207 schools of Faridkot Circle.

He further said that 24 teachers were found absent in Jalandhar Circle and 22 were late comers while 5 found long time absentee. In Nabha (Patiala) Circle 5 teachers were found absent, 11 late comers and 7 were long time absentee. Similarly, in Faridkot Circle 6 teachers were found absent, 7 late comers and 11 were found long time absentee.

The Spokesman said that to maintain discipline and punctuality in the Government Schools special and surprise checking would continue in future also. The Minister also directed to the senior officers that 100 percent attendance of the teachers would be ensured.

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CM ACCORDED ROUSING WELCOME ON HIS RETURN FROM CHINA

DESCRIBES HIS CHINA VISIT AS FRUITFUL

SPECIAL CELL TO REVIEW PROGRESS OF ISSUES TAKEN UP WITH CHINESE AUTHORITIES

Chandigarh, November 14-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal was accorded rousing welcome by his Cabinet and party colleagues on his return from weeklong official visit to China, here at his residence this afternoon.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister's Office said that Mr. Badal described the visit as very effective and fruitful and hoped that it would certainly yield positive results in due course of time in bringing blue revolution in Punjab. He said that the Punjabi fish farmers accompanying him were highly impressed by the latest innovative and technological advancements adopted by their counterparts in China due to which they were getting a record production to 32-33 ton fish per hectare as compared to merely six ton per hectare in Punjab. Mr. Badal said, "Punjabi Fish farmers with wide horizon and experience can do miracles with their unbounded capacities and capabilities, provided they were supported by the novel technology and expertise." Mr. Badal said that his government would soon take up all the issues with the consulate of China through the Indian government for taking them to the logical end.

The Chief Minister said that the proposals like setting up of modern Fish feed factory, advance Freshwater fishery centre on the pattern of Freshwater Fishery Research Center (FFRC) Wuxi besides sponsoring the Punjabi students interested in seeking Bachelor and Masters Degree in advanced fisheries from China would be put on the fast track mode by regular monitoring by a special cell to be headed by the Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry. Mr. Badal also said that he would soon convene a meeting of all the senior officers of the Fisheries department to regularly keep a tab on the progress of these issues besides working out modalities for the proposed MoU to be inked between Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences (JAAS) and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary & Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), Ludhiana.

Prominent amongst others who welcomed the Chief Minister included Cabinet Ministers Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka, Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike, Mr. Sharanjeet Singh Dhillon and Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Advisor to Chief Minister on Media and National Affairs Mr. Harcharan Bains, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu and Special Principal Secretaries to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar and Mr. KJS Cheema.

PUNJAB SETS UP 108 COLLECTION CENTRES FOR HEPATITIS –C AND 70 FOR HEPATITIS -B

RATE CONTRACT FOR HEPATITIS-B&C MEDICINES FINALISED

Chandigarh November 14: The Punjab government has established 108 sample collection centres for the diagnostic tests of Hepatitis - C and 70 such centres for Hepatitis -B across the state where the laboratory tests and investigations would be done free of cost.

This was stated here today by the Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani while presiding over a meeting of the senior officers of the department and the civil surgeons. Addressing the meeting the minister said that the Punjab government has already included chronic diseases of Hepatitis B & C under “Punjab Nirogi Yojana” in which patients falling in BPL category/yellow card holders are entitled to treatment up to Rs. 1.5 lacs. Now the health department has finalized the Rate Contract for Hepatitis B & C medicines to be supplied at subsidized rates at Jan Aushadhi Stores in all the districts against the prescription of treating physician.

Mr. Jayani has directed the civil surgeons to ensure the availability of all the facilities extended by the government to the patients so that the proper health care services reach each and every corner of the state. He also said that the Health department has always been striving hard to provide best health care amenities to the general public with a view to minimizing pocket expenditure of the patients with respect of Health Care.

Referring to the state government’s initiative to identify the suspected patients of Hepatitis-C, Ms. Vinni Mahajan Secretary Health and Family Welfare said that all patients suspected with the disease would be examined by Physician/Hematologist and would undergo baseline investigation (HCV RNA) for confirmation of diagnosis followed by viral load investigation at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 or 48 weeks and finally 3 months after the end of treatment. All these lab investigations would be provided free of cost at 108 sample collection centers of designated Lal Path Lab in all districts, as per arrangement with supplying firm as contained in Rate Contract.

Ms. Mahajan also said that HBV DNA for Hepatitis-B at base line and viral load twice in first year and then every year will also be provided free of cost by SRL laboratory in each district, a designated lab through Ranbaxy Laboratories, supplying drugs for Hepatitis-B at subsidized rates through Jan Aushadhi Stores. These facilities would be available at 70 sample collection centers of SRL in all the districts.

With the finalization of the Rate Contract for treatment of Hepatitis B & C and the identification of labs for investigation of Viral Load from time to time, it was expected that dependence on costly investigations and treatment would be subsequently reduced and people at large would derive benefit of this initiative of department. She advised that precautions such as avoiding drug addiction, transfusion of blood from authorized sources only, avoiding multiple use of single needle and syringe etc should be adopted to prevent such deadly viral disease.

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VATIKA SCHOOL CELEBRATES CHILDREN DAY

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 14:

Vatika Special School, Sector -19- B, Chandigarh run by Punjab IAS officers Wives Association, today celebrated Children Day with full enthusiasm and zeal.

On this occasion a Rangoli, Race competitons, Kho-Kho, Valleyball and other sports events were organized for the students in the school premises. Prizes were distributed by the Mrs. Anita Kaushal, President, Punjab IAS Officers’ Wives Association to the children who bagged Ist, IInd, IIIrd position in this competition. Stationary items, sweets and appreciation certificates were also given to the winners.

Refreshment was sponsored by Punjab Financial Corporation, Chandigarh through its Managing Director Mr. S.S. Bains and Deputy General Manager Mr. S.C. Sharma.

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APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR THE POST OF ‘MEMBER’ IN PUNJAB STATE ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION

Chandigarh, November 14 :

The Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission has invited applications from interested eligible persons for the post of Member in the Scale of Rs. 67000-79000 without Grade Pay.

According to an official spokesperson, the applicant should be a Graduate and should have experience of working on a post with pay scale equal to or higher than that of Joint Secretary to Government of India/Chief Engineer Rs. 67000-79000 and should be less than 62 years but not less than 55 years of age as on 1st January, 2015.

The interested persons may send their applications in English along with copies of certificates in respect of age; educational qualifications, experience and NOC from employer, by registered post in a cover super scribed “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF MEMBER IN PSERC”. The applications should reach the office of Superintendent (Energy Branch), Department of Power, Government of Punjab, Room No. 315, 3rd Floor, Punjab Civil Secretariat-2, Sector-9, and Chandigarh latest by 5 P.M. on 1st December, 2014.

The applicants should also mention in their Bio-Data their Name, Father’s name, Address with contact no., Age and Date of Birth, Presently held position, proficiency in Punjabi, Educational qualifications, Details of posts previously held and experience in tariff and regulatory matters

OVER 114 LAKH M TONNES OF PADDY PROCURED TILL DATE

GOVERNMENT RELEASED RS. 442.43 CRORE

Chandigarh November 14: An official spokesman of the Punjab government said that 114.15 lakh MT Paddy had been procured in the state till last evening. The government agencies procured 112.3 Lakh MT (98.4%) while the private traders procured 1.8 lakh MT (1.6%) of paddy in the state.

Giving the details of agency wise procurement, he said that PUNGRAIN maintaining its lead amongst the government agencies had procured the maximum 35.4 lakh MT of paddy (31.5%) whereas MARKFED procured 26.15 Lakh MT (23.3%), PUNSUP 25.2 lakh MT (22.5%), PSWC 11.01 lakh MT (9.8%) PAFC procured 11.75 lakh MT (10.5%). The Central government agency FCI has procured 2.76 lakh MT of paddy (2.5%), he added.

District Ludhiana secured first position by procuring 14.70 lakh MT of paddy followed by Sangrur and Moga procuring 14.21 lakh MT and 11.34 lakh MT of paddy in whole.

Meanwhile an amount of Rs.442.43 crore was released and 11474 entries were recorded for the day’s procurement operations.

5 OFFICERS CAUGHT RED HANDED IN GRAFT CASES DURING OCTOBER

· VIGILANCE FILES 7 CHALLANS IN DIFFERENT CASES

· HON’BLE COURTS PRONOUNCED SENTENCE IN 6 ANOTHER BRIBERY CASES

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 14:

The Punjab Vigilance Bureau, has considerably intensified its anti corruption campaign in the month of October. The Bureau has been successful in nabbing 5 officers red handed while receiving the bribe whereas vigilance inquiry in 7 different cases has also been completed and subsequently the challans have been filed.

Disclosing this here, an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that during the month of October, 2014, five officers/officials were caught red handed accepting bribe and cases under Prevention of Corruption Act-1988 and cases were registered against all these officers, whereas 3 other criminal cases were registered. He said that one case of disproportionate assets was also registered against a government officer. He said that the Vigilance Bureau has also initiated fresh vigilance inquiries in 7 different cases

The spokesman further said that during the hearing of another cases filed by Vigilance Bureau, the Hon’ble courts have pronounced sentenced to 6 persons in bribery cases.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ALL SET TO DECLARE THE WHOLE STATE A ‘TOBACCO SMOKE FREE ZONE’

· DIRECTION ISSUED TO THE DISTRICT AUTHORITIES TO INCREASE THE SURVEILLANCE AND TAKE STRICT PUNITIVE ACTION AGAINST THE CULPRITS

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 14:

The Punjab Government has fully geared up to implement the provision of Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (COTPA) Act, 2003 in the state with iron hand. Instructions have been issued to the districts to accelerate the surveillance in every nook and corner of the district to nab the offenders red handed. The district administrations have also been given mandate to book such law brokers and take punitive action at the spot.

Disclosing this here official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Chief Secretary, Punjab has directed all the Deputy Commissioners of the state to implement the provision of COTPA, Act. He said that 18 districts of the state have already been declared Tobacco Smoke Free Zones relying on the findings of the PGIEMR’s Complied Study conducted on the use of Tobacco products in Punjab. He said that now the state government has in principle took a decision to declare the whole of the state ‘Tobacco Smoke Free Zone’. He said that the provision of this COTPA, Act would now be binding on Hotels, Restaurants, Dhabas, and all other commercial establishments.

Further under Food Safety and Standards Act, products like Gutka and other eatable having ingredients of Nicotine/ Tobacco have been banned in the state similarly under Drug and Cosmetic Act the use of Nicotine in chemical form like e-cigarettes has also been prohibited.

He said that district administration has been instructed to take severe punitive action against the offenders. He said that under section 4 of the COTPA, Act a person can be fined up to Rs. 200 for the crime and the owner of the institution can be fined adding up the total number of offenders in his establishment. Similarly under section 5 of the said Act advertising of the Tobacco product has been prohibited. He said that for first such crime the offender can be sentenced to 2 years or a fine of Rs. 1000 and for committing the crime second time sentence of 5 years and fine of Rs 5000 can be slapped on the law broker. He said that under sanction 6 of the Act the sale of Tobacco product to the children under 18 years of age and within the 100 meter circumference of educational instructions is strictly prohibited and the offender can be slapped a fine of Rs. 200 for such crime.

The spokesperson further said that under section 7,8 & 9 of the Act the sale of Tobacco product without highlighting health advisory has been prohibited. Any person found flouting this norm can be sentenced of 2 years or a fine of Rs.5000 for committing crime for the first time similarly for the second time the sentence can be 5 years or fine of Rs. 10,000. He said for the wholesaler for committing this crime for the first time a sentence of 1 year or a fine of Rs. 1000 can be slapped whereas for committing the crime second time this sentence can be increased for 2 years or fine of Rs. 3000 can be slapped on him.

He said that all the Deputy Commissioners have been asked to constitute ‘Block level task force’ on similar lines of ‘Permanent District Level Task Force’. He said that apart from Department of Health & Family Welfare all other department like Police, Education, Local Bodies, transport and Excise & taxation ect. have been instructed to generate all their resources to curb the use of Tobacco and for implementation of COTPA, Act in their district effectively.

WOULD NOT TOLERATE ANY KIND OF INDISCIPLINE IN POLICE DEPARTMENT-SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL

· IF ANY COP IS FOUND NOT PERFORMING DUTY PROPERLY, ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN AGAINST CONCERNED SSP

· WARNS THOSE IN DRUG TRADE TO MEND THEIR WAYS ELSE THEY WOULD BE PUT BEHIND BARS

· PUNJAB INSTITUTE OF SPORTS SET UP TO CHANNELISE YOUTHS ENERGY INTO RIGHT DIRECTION

· STATE GOVERNMENT TO SET UP 2,600 UNIFIED CIVIL SERVICES CENTRES IN VILLAGES & TOWNS

· VISITS SARABHA VILLAGE TO ATTEND A SPORTS FESTIVAL ORGANISED ON THE 99TH MARTYRDOM DAY OF SHAHEED KARTAR SINGH SARABHA

Chandigarh/Sarabha (Ludhiana), November 14:

Deputy Chief Minister Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal today warned that he would not tolerate any kind of indiscipline in the police department and said that next time if any official is found absent from the police station during duty hours, the concerned SSP would be held responsible. "I would then take action against the SSP and not some lower ranked official," said the Deputy CM while talking to mediapersons at Sarabha village, near here today.

Last evening, the Deputy CM had taken a round of Mohali in a private car and found that no police official was present on duty at traffic lights as well as prominent roundabouts of the city. "When I went to the Police Station, only the Munshi was present whereas the other staff was missing. From now on, I warn all the police officials that they should perform their duties with utmost devotion else I would take strict action against them," warned Deputy CM Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal.

He also requested all other ministers to hold surprise checks in offices under them in a similar manner.

Issuing a strict warning to those involved in drug trade, Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal said that such people should mend their ways else they would be put behind bars. "During our anti-drug drive in the last two years, we have arrested more than 30,000 people who were directly involved in drug trade. I request the women folk of our state to assist us in our drive against drugs and give us secret inputs on our helpline number 181. If any person near you is selling drugs, all you need to do is give a call at 181 and I assure you that the person would be put behind bars," said the Deputy CM.

He said that to channelise energy of our youth towards the right direction, Punjab Institute of Sports have been set up, whose headquarters would be at Mohali and a branch has been set up in Jalandhar. "We would train thousands of youngsters in 11 different sports disciplines and the director's of each discipline would join by December. International coaches would also be recruited and I assure that by 2020 Olympics, the Indian contingent would have maximum sportspersons from Punjab," he said.

He announced that from near year onwards, matches of Kabaddi World Cup would also be organised at village Sarabha. "We would give the existing stadium an ultra modern look and funds for the same would be allocated by the state government," said the Deputy CM while assuring that the road leading to Sarabha village would also be widened.

Mr Badal further stated that for the benefit of common man, especially living in villages, the state government would set up around 2,600 unified civil services centres in villages and towns where the residents would be able to avail of 225 different citizen centric facilities in a hassle free manner. "Now you would get these services at your doorstep," said the Deputy CM.

Deputy CM Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal visited Sarabha village to attend a sports festival organised on the 99th martyrdom day of Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha today. The Deputy CM also paid obeisance at the memorial built in the memory of Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, and inaugurated a project for the widening of internal roads of village Sarabha.

Addressing a function, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha was the youngest martyr, who sacrificed his life at the age of 19. He said that this brave son of the country, had been a great source of inspiration for the patriots, struggling during freedom movement to liberate the county from British rulers. Mr Badal said that Sarabha had joined Gaddar party in US and returned to India to lead the revolution. The Deputy Chief Minister said that Sarabha had been considered as the ideologue of the freedom movement, who proved to be a source of inspiration for the other young patriots of the country including Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Dakha MLA Mr Manpreet Singh Ayali, advisor to CM Mr Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, SAD district president Mr Madan Lal Bagga, Subordinate Selection Services Board Punjab chairman Mr Santa Singh Umedpuri, Director Department of Information & Public Relations Punjab Mr Rahul Tiwari, Deputy Commissioner Mr Rajat Agarwal, DIG Ludhiana Range Mr G S Dhillon, SSP Ludhiana (Rural) Mr Ravcharan Singh Brar, former minister Mr Jagdish Singh Garcha, former MP Mr Amrik Singh Aliwal, former MLAs Mr Ishar Singh Meharban, Mr Bikramjit Singh Khalsa, besides several others.

EDUCATION POLICES BE BASED ON THE NEEDS OF THE ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS: DR. CHEEMA

· EDUCATION MINISTER INAUGURATES 29TH ALL INDIA ACADEMIC CONFERENCE

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 14:

‘There is dire need of framing the education polices exclusively based on the needs of the academic institutions’. It was appealed by Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister, Punjab while inaugurating the 29th academic conference of All-India Federation of University and College Teachers Organisations (AIFUCTO) at S.D. College, Sector 32, and Chandigarh.

Dr. Cheema said that he is inaugurating this conference on behalf of Chief Minister, Punjab S. Parkash Singh Badal, who could not’ make it as he is away to China on official tour. He said, the theme of the conference-quality is higher education – issues and challenges are very relevant in today’s time.

He said that probably the theme could have covered the entire gamut of education from UG to PG as quality of education is relevant at all levels. Infact the foundation of quality higher educations gets laid in schools. He hoped that deliberations will provide inputs to the policy makers. Guest of Honour Sh. V.P. Singh, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh said emphasis that education should make a person more humble all his dealings. He requested delegates from different states to go around the city and enjoy its beauty.

Mr. Tarun Patra, President, AIFUCTO pointed out that the liberalisation of policies has increased the access, but quality and fairs deal to teachers is missing. Sh. Asok Barman, General Secretary, AIFUCTO presented his report to the delegates. The aged teachers Prof. Mrinmoy Bhattacharya and Prof. H.S. Mehta shared their experiences in teachers movement. Both of them were emphatic that teachers’ organisation has important societal role and same must be kept in mind.

Mr. U. K. Sharma, President, College Managing Committee welcmed the delegates and offered all help during the stay. Amongst others Principal Dr. Bhushan K. Sharma, Principal G.S. Gosal, University teachers Karamjit Sihngh, Keshav Malhotra, Sanjay Kaushik and S. Gurdev Singh Brar, Retd. IAS an President of Sikh Education Society graced the occasion

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PUNJAB TO SPONSOR ITS STUDENTS FOR UNDERTAKING BACHELOR AND MASTER DEGREE PROGRAM IN ADVANCED FISHERIES FROM CHINA

· BADAL GIVES NOD TO SEND PROGRESSIVE FARMERS IN BATCHES TO CHINA FOR TRAINING IN FISHERIES

· CM VISITS FFRC AND ANNOUNCES TO INK MoU WITH IT AND GADVASU

· ALSO VISITS MODERN FISH FARM AT WUXI TO STUDY SCIENTIFIC PRACTICES IN FISHERIES

Chandigarh, November 12

The Punjab Government would soon sponsor the students keen to undertake four-year Bachelor Degree or three-year Master Degree program in fisheries from China's leading institute Freshwater Fisheries Research Center (FFRC) at Wuxi.

This decision was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal during his meeting with the FFRC Director Mr. Hu Zhong at Wuxi on Tuesday evening as a part of his official visit to China.

The Chief Minister also announced that the Guru Angad Dev Veterinary Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) would soon ink a MoU with FFRC to promote fisheries in the state on the scientific lines in a big way.

Stressing on the need to adopt the advanced practices in fisheries, Mr. Badal said that this could only be achieved through imbibing scientific temperament amongst the fish farmers in the state by the students trained from FFRC. He also announced that the fish farmers from Punjab would also sent in batches for training in fisheries from the FFRC so as to enable them to enhance the fish production.

On the occasion, Dr Padma Kumar , Advisor Fisheries to Punjab Govt. made a power point presentation on the Punjab's march towards 'Blue Revolution'. He mentioned that in Punjab, we were just rearing six varieties of carps and trying hard to promote Tilapia species which was in abundance in China.

The Chief Minister was apprised by the senior faculty of the FFRC that it was the premiere institute in China undertaking extensive research in fresh water fisheries with specialized research in Carps and other fresh water species such as crabs, crawfish, catfish, soft shell turtles, shrimps etc.

Meanwhile, the delegation of fish farmers and experts led by the Chief Minister visited the experimental fish ponds in FFRC to have first hand account on the rare species of fish.

Mr. Badal also visited the fish farm in Wuxi spread over 19 Hectare, where the average production was 25 tonnes per hectare as compared to six tonnes per hectare in Punjab. While interacting with the owner of the fish farm Mr. Jian Shenzgi showed modern practices to delegation which was highly impressed. Mr. Shenzgi told the delegation that he had a computerised system whereby the aerators start automatically once the oxygen level in the pond drops below the required level. He has automatic feed system
whereby the feed was disbursed at regular intervals without
any human supervision. The feed was different for every species. Also it is different for starter, grower and finisher.

The Chief Minister asked the Financial Commissioner Animal Husbandry Mr. G Vajralingam to ensure that these practices should be followed in Punjab by the progressive fish farmers which were currently not adopted there due to non-availability of modern techniques and equipments.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by his Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Mr. Raj Kumar, Assistant Director Fisheries, Kapurthala, Dr. KaleKattu Gopalapillai Padma Kumar Fisheries Expert, Dr. Asha Dhawan, Dean College of Fisheries, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana besides the progressive fish farmers were also the part of delegation.

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PUNJAB GOVT TO SPEND RS.1.81 CRORE ON RENOVATION OF PUNJAB ROADWAYS WORKSHOPS

CHANDIGARH; NOVEMBER12:

The Board of Directors of PUNBUS has decided to carry out renovation of the workshops of the depots of Punjab Roadways at the cost of Rs. 1.81 Crores.

Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the Transport Department said that according to the decisions taken at the meeting, the said work will be executed in two stages. It has been approved that in the first stage Rs. 68 Lacs will be spent while in the 2nd stage a sum of Rs. 1crore 13 lacs wil be spent.

The spokesperson also said that in the first stage the building of Chandigarh Depot will be renovated, submersible pump sets will be installed, special repair will be carried out of toilet block, special repair of Amritsar-1 depot will be done and greasing ramp constructed, concrete paver i.e. road will be constructed in Amritsar-2 depot and a platform will be constructed for the purpose of washing buses in Ludhiana depot. In addition to this, special repair of administrative block of Jalandhar-2 depot, special repair of toilet block of Nawanshahr depot will be carried out and also special repair of toilet block of Hoshiarpur depot and repairing of the shed for commuters in Roopnagar Bus stands will be carried out.

The spokesperson further said that in the second stage special repair will be carried out of Ferozepur depot building and shed, boundary wall of Nangal depot will be constructed, building of duty section will be constructed, separate ladies toilet will be constructed in administrative block and other renovation work will be carried out and also painting of administrative block of Hoshiarpur depot will be done and greasing ramp will be constructed in Pathankot depot.

SAD-BJP ALLIANCE WOULD REGISTER RECORD VICTORY IN DELHI POLLS-SUKHBIR SINGH BADAL

ü People’s confidence in Development oriented SAD-BJP government would keep alliance in power for next 25 years

ü Punjab to sign MOU with cement companies to provide cement for public projects on control rates

ü Announces market committee status for arniwala

ü Initiates development works worth Rs. 47 crore

Village Laddhu Uttar (Jalalabad)- November 12

Deputy Chief Minister Punjab Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today said that Shiromani Akali Dal-Bhartiya janta Party would witness record victory in the Delhi assembly elections as Congress has already lost its ground and ‘AAP’ illusion faded with the time.

Replying to a media query after laying foundation stones of a number of development works worth Rs 47 crore here in his constituency, Mr. Badal said that the being alliance in two cultures and philosophies, SAD-BJP alliance is most natural alliance. He said that the alliance between these two parties has strengthened the communal harmony in the state and people’s confidence in the development oriented policies of alliance would keep it in power for next 25 years.

Mr. Badal said that after losing its political ground now Congress was trying its best to create an image that alliance was going through tough times. He said that Delhi polls would soon clear these clouds as alliance was all set to register record victory in this poll.

Replying another query regarding Manpreet Singh Badal’s statements published in media today, Mr. Badal said that Manpreet was not more than a paper tiger now. He said that reacting to statements of such leaders was nothing more than wastage of time.

While reviewing the development projects to be started Mr. Badal said that Punjab Government would sign MOUs (Memorandum of understanding) with cement companies to provide cement on control rates for public works. He ordered his special principal secretary Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu to initiate the tender process in this regard from November 15.

While addressing the gathering at arniwala, Mr. Badal has also announced to grant market committee status to arniwala.

Earlier, Mr. Badal laid foundation stones of development projects worth Rs. 47 crore including building for poly clinic and GPS building at Arniwala. To give a neat and clean look to villages, Mr. Badal started work on streets in villages Laddhu Uttar, Chak Jani Saar, Chak Rorra Wali, Chak Gulam Rasool, Dhanni Kartar Singh, Dhanni Sardool Singh, Palli Wala, Halim Wala, Ameen Gajj, Islamwala, Kandh Wala Hajar Khan, Mammu Khera, Mammu Khera Khatwa, Buraj Hanuman Garh and Jhughe kehar Singh .

Prominent amongst present on the occasion included Member Parliament from Ferozpur Mr. Sher Singh Ghubaya,Charanjit Singh Brar OSD/Deputy Chief Minister, Satinderjeet Singh Manta Halqa incharge, Ashok aneja SAD (District) president , DIG Munish Chawla, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Manjeet Singh Brar.

JASJEET SINGH BHINDER APPOINTED PRESIDING OFFICER OF INDUSTRIAL TRIBUNAL, AMRITSAR

Chandigarh, November 12 :

The Punjab Government has appointed Mr. Jasjeet Singh Bhinder as Presiding Officer, Industrial Tribunal, Amritsar. Mr. Bhinder is at present serving as Additional District and Sessions Judge, Bathinda.

Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the Government said that Mr. Bhinder has been appointed against the vacant post from the date he takes charge.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT PARTIALLY MODIFIES ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR NURSING COURSES

INTRODUCED AS ONE TIME MEASURE FOR 2014 SESSION ONLY

Chandigarh, November 12 :

The Punjab Government has partially modified the eligibility criteria for the candidates desirous of seeking admission to the M.Sc. Nursing and Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing Courses for the session 2014-15.

Divulging the details, a spokesperson of the Government said that according to the modifications, the candidates may be given admissions on the basis of inter-se merit in the respective qualifying exam i.e. Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing and M.Sc. Nursing Courses. This will be subject to the condition that the candidate must have passed the qualifying exam with 60 % marks and for the candidates belonging to the SC/BC category, the percentage limit shall be 55%.

The spokesperson also clarified that this has been introduced as one time measure only for the session 2014.

5th World Cup Kabaddi

PUNJAB CONSTITUTES COMMITTEES FOR THE SMOOTH CONDUCT OF THE INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 12:

The Punjab Government has constituted different committees for the smooth conduct of the 5th edition of the World Cup Kababbi, 2014.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that an Executive Committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Punjab has been constituted. The executive committee would be responsible for the overall supervision of the tournament including functioning of other committees. In this committee Principal Secretary, Department of Cultural Affairs, Principal Secretary, Department of Finance, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Principal Secretary, Department of Information and Public Relations, Director General of Police, Secretary, Department of Sports & Youth Services and Director Sports have been included as members.

Monitoring and Oversee Committee has been formed under the Chairmanship or Mr. R.S. Mongia, Hon’ble Justice (Retd.) and other member of this committee would be Mr. T.C. Gupta IAS (Retd.) and Mr. Harmik Singh Olympian. The spokesperson said that Secretary of Department of Sports & Youth Services would be the Chairman of Cultural Programme Evaluation Committee and Ceremonies & Entertainment Committee. Similarly Principle Secretary Department of Finance would be the Chairman of Finance & Marketing Committee.

Principal Secretary, Department of Information & Public Relations has been made the chairman of Media Committee and Director General of Police would chair the Security Arrangement Committee.

Spokesman further said that Medical & Anti Doping Committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Dr. Manmohan Singh and Mr. Pargat Singh, MLA, Jalandhar Cantt would chair the Games Technical Committee. He said that for Transport Committee State Transport Commissioner, Punjab would be the chairman.

Mr. Shivdev Singh has been made the Director Tournament and Mr. Balwinder Singh Fiddu as Joint Director Tournament. He said that concerned Deputy Commissioner of the districts where the matches are scheduled to be played would be the chairman of the Venue Committee.

SOFTWARE MODULE LAUNCHED TO APPLY ONLINE FOR TRANSPORTATION OF MORTAL REMAINS OF EMIGRANTS DYING IN ECR COUNTRIES

Chandigarh, November 12:

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs today launched a novel software module that will enable family member of a deceased to apply online for transportation of mortal remains of deceased emigrant in any ECR country.

According to an official spokesman, the issue of bringing back mortal remains of emigrants who have died abroad had been brought to the attention of ministry by the Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal for quiet some time. The Chief Minister had requested the ministry to work out a hassle free arrangement for bringing back mortal remains as family members of the deceased are anxious that mortal remains of their beloved ones are brought back as quickly as possible.

Acceding to the request of Punjab government, the ministry today launched this software where family can apply online for transportation of mortal remains from ECR countries including Malaysia, Jordan, UAE, Yemen, Lebanon, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Iraq, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Thailand and they can track the status of mortal remains online till they are brought back to the country. The software module is available on website, www.moia.gov.in.

Once the family of the deceased applies online for bringing back the mortal remains, the missions located in the destination country from where the mortal remains are required to be brought back, will start processing those cases for bringing back mortal remains expeditiously.

PUNJAB TRANSFERS VILLAGE TEHALPURA OF DISTRICT FATEHGARH TO DISTRICT PATIALA

Chandigarh, November 12: The Punjab government has transferred village Tehalpura of Sub-Division/Tehsil and district Fatehgarh Sahib to Tehsil & Sub-Division Rajpura of district Patiala and a notification in this regard has been issued.

According to an official spokesman, this decision has been taken in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 5 of the Punjab Land Revenue Act, 1887(Act 17 of 1887) and Section 5 of the Registration Act, 1908(Act 16 of 1908).

PUNJAB NOTIFIES TO CONSERVE THE ANCESTRAL HOUSE OF MARTYR SUKHDEV THAPAR AS HISTORICAL MONUMENT: THANDAL

· GROUND FLOOR OF THE HOUSE WAS ALREADY DECLARED AS A PRESERVED MONUMENT

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 12:

The Punjab government today set in motion the process of preserving the ancestral house belonging to the great martyr Sukhdev Thapar at Ludhiana as Monument of historical importance by issuing a notification under the Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1964.

Disclosing this here today Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Cultural Affairs Minister said that the ground floor of the house of Shaheed Sukhdev located at Mohalla, Nou Ghara, Ludhiana has already been declared as preserved historical monument by the Punjab Government by its notification issued on May 20, 2008. He said that the Shaheed Sukhdev Thapar sacrificed his life at a very young age for liberating her motherland form yoke of imperialistic British Rule. He said the sacrifice of Shaheed Sukhdev is exemplary and acting as a light bearer for the younger generations. He said that keeping the selfless services of Shaheed Sukhdev in mind the Punjab Government has now decided to preserve the whole structure of his ancestral home at Ludhiana under “the Punjab Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1964”

Mr. Thandal further said that now the first and second floor of this house would be preserved. He said any person who have any proximity with this house and who has any objection for declaring this house as historical monument could file their objections with the tourism department within two months. He said that after completing this formality the Punjab Government would issue the final notification for declaring the whole ancestral house of Shaheed as Historical Monument.

PADDY PROCUREMENT

LUDHIANA MAINTAINS LEAD IN PADDY PROCUREMENT-

14, 38,271 M TONNES OF PADDY PROCURED IN LUDHIANA OUT OF TOTAL 112, 41,037 M TONNES

Chandigarh November 12: Maintaining its lead for the second day also, district Ludhiana today procured maximum of 14,38,271 M tonnes of paddy till date during the ongoing paddy procurement operations in the state while Sangrur and Moga remained on second and third positions with the total procurement of 13,89,893 M tonnes and 11,17,226 M tonnes of paddy respectively.

Stating this here today an official spokesman of the government said that 112, 41,037 M tonne of paddy was procured by the state government till last evening out of which government agencies procured 110, 57,481 M tonnes i.e 98.4% and the private agencies procured 1,83,556 M tonnes i.e 1.6% so far.

He further said that PUNGRAIN maintaining its lead amongst the government agencies and had procured the maximum 34, 84,732(31.5%) M tonne paddy in the mandis of state whereas MARKFED procured 25, 67,394 (23.2%), PUNSUP 24, 84,976 (22.5%), PSWC 10, 80,587 (9.8%) PAFC procured 11, 66,159 (10.5%). The Central government agency FCI has procured 2, 73,633 M tonnes of paddy (2.5%), he added.

VIGILANCE NABS PATWARI ACCEPTING BRIBE OF RS. 50,000

Chandigarh, November 12:

Vigilance Bureau today nabbed a Patwari red handed while accepting bribe of Rs.50, 000.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Vigilance Bureau said that Patwari Jai Karan Singh posted at revenue area Bharath Kazi Chak, Sub Tehsil Dinanagar was nabbed on the complaint of Smt. Yoto Devi resident of Bhatilo of district Kangra of Himachal Pradesh. In her complaint Smt. Yoto Devi alleged that Patwari Jai Karan was demanding bribe of Rs. 70,000 for mutation of the land of her deceased husband on her name.

Acting on the tip off a trap was laid by the team of Vigilance Bureau headed by DSP, Mr. Naresh Kumar Thakur and Patwari Jai Karan was nabbed red handed while accepting the first installment of Rs. 50,000.

SATVIR KAUR MANHERA TO BE THE NEW VICE CHAIRPERSON OF WOMEN COMMISSION

CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 10:

The Punjab government has appointed Mrs.Satvir Kaur Manhera, Member Punjab State Women Commission as the Vice Chairperson of the Commission.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister said that the notification with regard to her appointment, under sub-section (2) (a) and (b) of Section-3 of Punjab State Commission of Women (Amendment) Act, 2014 has been issued by the Social Security and Women & Child Development department. It may be recalled that Mrs. Satvir Kaur Manhera is the wife of late Mr. Mann Singh Manhera.

PUNJAB AND JIANGSU (CHINA) AGREE FOR INITIATING ‘TWIN PROVINCE PROJECT’

· CM ACCORDED WARM WELCOME IN JIANGSU PROVINCE

· SEEKS STRATEGIC ASSISTANCE FROM JIANGSU FOR PROMOTING FRESH WATER FISHERY IN STATE

· GOVERNOR OF JIANGSU ASSURES FULSOME SUPPORT AND COOPERATION TO BADAL

· ENVISIONS GREAT POSSIBILITIES BETWEEN BOTH THE STATES

Chandigarh, November 10-

With the personal endeavor of the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal the Jiangsu province of China has principally agreed to initiate ‘Twin Province’ project with the state for promoting fresh water fisheries in the state as a part of state government’s crop diversification program.

The Chief Minister who called on Governor of Jiangsu province Mr. Li Xueyong at theGovernment Provincial Hall recalled the age old relations between India and China, in every field.He apprised the Governor that Punjab was a very progressive state where there was a lot of scope of fish farming as the land use was almost like Jiangsu province. Throwing light on the state government’s ambitious crop diversification program, Mr. Badal said that the state government wants to develop fresh water fisheries to bail out its farmers from the prevailing agrarian crisis.

The Chief Minister apprised Mr. Xueyong that currently the production of fish in Punjab was six tons per hectare whereas the state government aspires to the double this production in the coming three years. Likewise, he said that the state government also wants to double the area under fishery from the currently 14400 hectares in the same time period. Mr. Badal said that at present there were 21 hatcheries in the state with fry production of 222 million which could be increased up to 900 million in the coming three years.

Soliciting the help of the Government of Jiangsu province for promoting fish farming through the ‘Twin Province project’, the Chief Minister said that present production from fish reservoirs was 100-150 kilograms per hectare which was very low but could be enhanced by four folds, with the expertise from Jiangsu province. He urged Mr. Xueyong to send their experts to Punjab so as to update the Punjabi farmers about their latest technology. Mr. Badal also urged the Governor to ensure strategic tie up between the institutions of the both the state so that Punjab could be immensely benefitted from it.

Responding to the issues raised by the Chief Minister, Mr. Xueyong assured fulsome support and cooperation to Punjab in every way. The Governor said that he was confident that under the able leadership of Mr. Badal there were huge possibilities ahead for both the states. He asked Director General Jiangsu Oceanic and Fishery Bureau Mr Tang Jianming and President Jiangsu Academy of Agri Sciences Mr Yi Zhongyi to personally ensure that both the states could forge an alliance in this regard. He also assured Mr. Badal that he would surely visit Punjab once interdepartmental confidence has been established for the twin provinces projects.

Earlier the Chief Minister was accorded a warm welcome on reaching the Jiangsu province.

The delegation of progressive fish farmers led by the Chief Minister included Mr. Gurjatinder Singh Virk from Village Kandola (Roop Nagar), Mr. Manwinder Singh Village Jhurar (Sri Mukatsar Sahib), Mr. Harinderpal Singh Bajwa Village Warring (TarnTaran), Mr. Bir Inder Singh Guron (Samrala), Mr. Khushwant Singh Village Chhangal (Hoshiarpur), Mr. Abhijinder Singh Village Nanokee (Patiala), Mr. Azadwinder Singh Village Kandhola (Roop Nagar) and Mr. Paramjit Singh Bhullar Village Nagra (Sangrur).

Apart from these fish farmers, Special Principal Secretary Mr. KJS Cheema, Mr. Raj Kumar, Assistant Director Fisheries, Kapurthala, Dr. KaleKattu Gopalapillai Padma Kumar Fisheries Expert, Dr. Asha Dhawan, Dean College of Fisheries, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Science University, Ludhiana were also the part of delegation.

Prominent amongst others present on the occasion included Secretary General Jiangsu Provincial Government Mr. Zhang Jinghua, Director General Jiangsu Agri committee Mr. Wu Peiliang, Director General Jiangsu oceanic and fishery bureau Mr. Tang Jianming, President Jiangsu Academy of Agri Sciences Mr. Yi Zhongyi and Director General Department of Commerce Mr. Ma Minglong.

…

Punjab to houour Asian and Commonwealth medallists on November 11

(Rs. 4.29 crore to be awarded as prize money to 28 players)

Chandigarh, November 10 - Punjab Government will honour players of Punjab who have brought laurels to the nation by winning medals in Incheon Asian Games 2014 and Glasgow Commonwealth games 2014 on November 11 at 11:00 AM Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh.

An official spokesman said that Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is also holding portfolio of sports department, will honour the winners for their outstanding achievements at international events. He further said that Rs. 4.29 crore would be distributed as prize money amongst the 28 players from various events.

Thirteen Asiad winners would be awarded with prize money of Rs. 2.79 crore, out of which gold medallist would get prize of Rs. 26 lakh whereas silver medallist Rs. 16 lakh and Bronze medallist Rs. 11 lakh. Besides this, 15 players who have won medals in Glasgow Commonwealth games would be awarded with cash prize of Rs. 1.50 crore, out of which Rs. 16 lakh would be given to the gold medallist, Rs. 11 lakh to silver and Rs. 6 lakh to bronze medal winner.

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TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT UPLOADS vehicle DATA ON WEBSITE

· INFORMATION ABOUT REGISTERED VEHICLES JUST A CLICK AWAY

Chandigarh, November 10:

The Punjab Government has implemented e-governance system in the Transport Department so as to provide transport related services in electronic mode to the people. Under this system, the work related to the registration of the vehicles has been fully computerized.

Stating this, a spokesperson of the Transport Department said that the department has uploaded information with regard to all the registered vehicles on the website punjabtransport.org.

The spokesperson also said that the general public can check the particulars related to their vehicles by clicking on the link ‘’Registration Data Verification’’ in the website. He said that if there is any discrepancy in the particulars of a vehicle, then the owner can get it rectified by submitting an application with the concerned District Transport Officer.

PADDY PROCUREMENT

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT RELEASES RS. 1400 CRORE TO 20,000 ARTIYAS OVER 109 LAKH M TONNE PROCURED TILL DATE

Chandigarh November 10:

The Punjab government today released an amount of Rs. 1400 crore to about 20,000 to artiyas against the purchase of their crop by different procurement agencies during the ongoing paddy procurement in the state. The payment has been made regularly made after getting the second installment of the cash credit limit (CCL) of Rs.10, 451 crore released recently by the central government to Punjab for the procurement of paddy. Earlier on Saturday, an amount of more than 3100 crore released to 25000 artiyas. The payments have been made in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Government of India.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman of the government said that 109, 83,223 M tonne of paddy has been procured till last evening. Out of the total paddy procured, 108, 02,213 (98. 4%)M tonnes was procured by the government agencies and private agencies procured 1, 81,010 M tonnes (1.6%). Out of the government agencies, PUNGRAIN procured 33,99,049 M tonnes(31.5%), MARKFED procured 25,14,241 M tonnes (23.3%), PUNSUP 24,22,997 M tonnes (22.4%), PSWC 10,58,827 (9.8%) and PAFC 11,38,671 M tonnes(10.5%). The central government agency FCI could procure 2, 68,428 M tonnes (2.5%) of paddy till last evening.

Meanwhile district Ludhiana took a lead by procuring 13,97,731 M tonnes of paddy till last evening whereas, Sangrur and Faridkot secured second and third positions by procuring 13,41,827 and 10.95,934 M tonnes of paddy respectively.

CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT REITERATES RESOLVE TO MAKE GREEN PUNJAB A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

4.75 LAKHS SAPLINGS TO BE PLANTED THIS YEAR

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 10 :

The Forest and Wildlife Minister, Punjab, Chunni Lal Bhagat today reiterated the resolve of the state government to make Punjab a Green State. He said that the Punjab has taken a path breaking initiative in the form of 'Greener Punjab Mission’ that will focus increasing green cover to 15 percent.

. He also said that the state under this Mission has set the target of plantation of 4.75 lakh saplings each year throughout the state for next 8 years continuously. He said that in the current financial year the department has earmarked an area of about 20,000 hectare in which 4.75 lakhs will be planted with an investment of Rs.122.42 crore. He further stated that nurseries will also set up for cloned plants of Popular and in this regard the area shall be extended up to 300 hectare.

The Minister while elaborating said that during the current financial year the department has given a facelift to the forest beats falling within in the state so as to bring maximum area under their cover. He said that the department has surveyed 9000 villages of the state to explore the possibility concerning free land holdings belonging to other departments and also village panchyats, so that this mission could be given further impetus. The Minister said that to protect the various areas in the state falling under green cover the state has also recruited adequate number of forest guards.

He said that during recent past the department has been instrumental in planting 1.32 crore saplings. He also elaborated that the saplings are produced in the 252 nurseries of the state.

GOVERNMENT ASKS FARMERS TO REFRAIN FROM STRAW BURNING

· CITES, ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AS THE REASON

Chandigarh November 10:

The Punjab Government has issued advisory to the owners of harvesting machines to install spreaders in the harvesting machines and advised that every combine harvesters should be fitted with a rear straw management system(SMS).

Disclosing this here today Mr. Tota Singh Agriculture Minister said that this practice would help avoid straw burning which emanated gases adversely affecting environment and soil fertility. Although the Government has officially banned the burning of paddy stubble under the prevention and control of pollution control of pollution Act, but farmers are not taking the ban seriously. He also said that with the help of modified combine harvesters, farmers could manage straw in a more sustainable manner instead of burning it which caused air pollution and loss of nutrients. Farmers can abandon the practice of excessive application of urea by managing straw which can provide a part of Nitrogen needed by crops. When straw was left to decompose in the field, it enhanced soil quality in the long run.

He also said that farmers associated with Straw Management System (SMS) to go for in situ straw incorporation using cultivator, prepare straw bales using bailer machine. He also said that wheat seeding for the current “Rabi” season must be carried out using new modern machines.

PUNJAB EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SETTLES 39 CASES IN PUBLIC MEETING

Dr. Cheema instructs officers to put the grievance redressal mechanism on fast pace

CHANDIGARH, November 10:

The Punjab Education Department conducted a Public meeting to settle all those cases pertaining to the employees of education department upon which Hon’ble Courts has passed judgements. Disclosing this here today Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Education Minister, Punjab said that in the public meeting 65 such cases were presented before the committee and out of it 39 cases were disposed off on the spot. The Minister said that 29 another cases were forwarded to the appropriate authority to take action in light of the decision of the Hon’ble Courts.

He further said that apart from these 65 cases the grievances of another 29 employees were listened to sympathetically and the concerned authorities have been asked to take action for the redresal of grievances. The chairman of the committee was Mr. Harbans Singh, OSD (Litigation).

Dr. Cheema said that instructions to the officers have also been issued to accelerate the grievance redressal mechanism by disposing off all such case in time bound manner. He said the department would implement the verdicts given by different courts in favour of employees on priority basis. “Such public meeting would become a regular feature of the Education Department to act upon the grievances of the employees” said Dr. Cheema.

PUNJAB GOES FOR PROVISIONAL HIKE IN MINIMUM WAGES OF LABOURERS

DECISION TAKEN KEEPING IN MIND CONSUMER PRICE INDEX NUMBER OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

Chandigarh, November 10 :

Giving the big bonanza for the labour class in Punjab, the State Government has hiked the minimum wage at the rate of Rs. 200 per month for monthly rated, Rs. 7.69 for daily rated and Rs. 0.96 for hourly rated workers.

Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the labour department said that the hike in wages would be affected from 1-9-14. He said that the Punjab Government while increasing the wages of the workers of various categories has considered the Consumer Price Index number of Government of India. He said that the minimum rates of wages have been provisionally enhanced for the time being.

Divulging the details the spokesperson said that in the unskilled category, the Government has enhanced the minimum wages at the rate Rs. 6647.75, 256.03, 32.00 on monthly, daily and hourly basis respectively. Similarly, in the semi-skilled category, the Government has enhanced the minimum wages at the rate Rs. 7427.75, 286.03, 35.80 on monthly, daily and hourly basis respectively. In the in the skilled category, the Government has enhanced the minimum wages at the rate Rs. 8324.75, 320.53, 40.10 on monthly, daily and hourly basis respectively. In highly skilled category, the Government has enhanced the minimum wages at the rate Rs. 9356.75, 360.23, 45.10 on monthly, daily and hourly basis respectively.

SATVIR KAUR MANHERA TO BE THE NEW VICE CHAIRPERSON OF WOMEN COMMISSION

CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 10:

The Punjab government has appointed Mrs.Satvir Kaur Manhera, Member Punjab State Women Commission as the Vice Chairperson of the Commission.

PUNJAB AND JIANGSU (CHINA) AGREE FOR INITIATING ‘TWIN PROVINCE PROJECT’

· CM ACCORDED WARM WELCOME IN JIANGSU PROVINCE

· SEEKS STRATEGIC ASSISTANCE FROM JIANGSU FOR PROMOTING FRESH WATER FISHERY IN STATE

· GOVERNOR OF JIANGSU ASSURES FULSOME SUPPORT AND COOPERATION TO BADAL

· ENVISIONS GREAT POSSIBILITIES BETWEEN BOTH THE STATES

Chandigarh, November 10-

Earlier the Chief Minister was accorded a warm welcome on reaching the Jiangsu province.

…

Punjab to houour Asian and Commonwealth medallists on November 11

(Rs. 4.29 crore to be awarded as prize money to 28 players)

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TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT UPLOADS vehicle DATA ON WEBSITE

· INFORMATION ABOUT REGISTERED VEHICLES JUST A CLICK AWAY

Chandigarh, November 10:

Stating this, a spokesperson of the Transport Department said that the department has uploaded information with regard to all the registered vehicles on the website punjabtransport.org.

PADDY PROCUREMENT

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT RELEASES RS. 1400 CRORE TO 20,000 ARTIYAS

OVER 109 LAKH M TONNE PROCURED TILL DATE

Chandigarh November 10:

CHUNNI LAL BHAGAT REITERATES RESOLVE TO MAKE GREEN PUNJAB A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

4.75 LAKHS SAPLINGS TO BE PLANTED THIS YEAR

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 10 :

He said that during recent past the department has been instrumental in planting 1.32 crore saplings. He also elaborated that the saplings are produced in the 252 nurseries of the state.

GOVERNMENT ASKS FARMERS TO REFRAIN FROM STRAW BURNING

· CITES, ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AS THE REASON

Chandigarh November 10:

PUNJAB EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SETTLES 39 CASES IN PUBLIC MEETING

Dr. Cheema instructs officers to put the grievance redressal mechanism on fast pace

CHANDIGARH, November 10:

PUNJAB GOES FOR PROVISIONAL HIKE IN MINIMUM WAGES OF LABOURERS

DECISION TAKEN KEEPING IN MIND CONSUMER PRICE INDEX NUMBER OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT

Chandigarh, November 10 :

120 Crore pumped into development of Underground Pipeline System for optimal harnessing of water resources for irrigation in Punjab

· 3 year project proposed for funding under RIDF-17

· UGPS system to give breath of life to depleting water resources in the State; Rainwater harvesting units to be set up and promoted across Punjab

Chandigarh, Nov 9:

The Punjab government has set aside Rs.120 crores for a novel project for harvesting rainwater through an Underground Pipeline System (UGPS), that has been used as a highly successful & time-tested alternative for efficient use water resources by developed countries.

Agriculture Minister, Mr. Tota Singh said that the problems of ground water depletion in central Punjab, scarce water resources in the northern sub-mountainous belt and brackish groundwater in the south-western part of the state can be very well addressed through use of UGPS systems. These systems not only save water but also help in improving yield and quality of farm produce. He said this was a 3 year development project to be implemented by the Department of Soil & Water Conservation, Punjab aimed at judicious use of available irrigation water from surface & subsurface water resources.

Mr. Tota Singh further announced that a comprehensive irrigation program has been chalked out under which a two-tier subsidy would be provided. The beneficiary community shall contribute 10% of the cost in cash/ labour form and 90% of cost shall be borne from proposed RIDF-17 Project, under which State Govt. shall be granted 95% Loan by NABARD and the balance 5% shall be the State's own share.The Project shall be well publicized through village Panchayats, Soil Conservation and Agriculture Department extension workers and also through print and electronic media. Prospective beneficiaries shall be educated & motivated to avail the scheme.

He said that the Project would benefit more than 35027 hectares area across Punjab.In addition to the socio-economic upliftment of the assisting SC/small/ marginal farmers by assured irrigation and the subsequent strengthening of farm production systems for a better yield, the major benefit would be the rehabilitation of the environment by facilitating ground water recharge and curbing salination of the soil, he added. The UGPS and rain water harvesting community projects are estimated toincrease land value by atleast 10%, save a chunk of the labour cost, prevent soil erosion and allow for an annual storage of more than 300 Ha-m of rainwater for irrigation.He said that farmers rely upon their environment for sustenance and the alarming depletion of ground water resources as well as the increase in salinity & loss of vital nutrients from the soil has adversely affected the communities and disturbed the ecological balance.

GOVERNMENT GIVES NOD TO URBAN HEALTH MISSION

155 URBAN PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRES TO BE ESTABLISHED IN 40 CITIES

AMRITSAR, LUDHIANA AND JALLANDHAR TO HAVE 13 COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRES

Chandigarh November 09: The Punjab government today gave nod to execute the Urban Health Mission(UHM) in the State to give total health cover to urban poor and the other unprotected sections of the society. It would cover slum dwellers; other marginalized urban dwellers like rickshaw pullers, street vendors, railway and bus station coolies, homeless people and street children, construction site workers etc. For statewide implementation UHM besides creating new infrastructure the existing infrastructure in the health centres across the state would also be upgraded to international level.

Disclosing this here today, Health Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani said that aiming at giving quality health services to the urban and rural habitats of Punjab the Health department Punjab has embarked upon a plan to set up Urban Health Mission on the patterns of Rural Health Mission in Punjab. Under the Urban Health Mission as many as 40 towns have been identified where 155 Primary Health Centres with OPD facilities would be established and 3 Major cities Ludhiana Amritsar and Jallandhar would have six, four and three Community Health Centres respectively. These Centres would be well equipped with latest machinery and diagnostic units with OPD and In-door facilities for the patients. Besides this 769 paramedical staff would also be appointed to ensure uninterrupted health care facilities in these newly set up health care centres. The Urban Primary Health Centres would remain opened from 12 noon to 8pm in summers and from 11.00am to 7 pm in winters.

Adding further the minister said that the initial mapping work has been done in all the identified 40 towns to be covered under Urban Health Mission. In the very first year total 93 urban primary health centres would be set up. As many as 126 doctors, 33 full time and 93 part-time, 186 staff nurses, 33 pharmacists, 93 lab. technicians and 340 ANMs would be appointed. He said that the modalities have been worked out and the posting orders of the entire staff would be given within a month.

Referring to the assured health care facilities being extended by the government to the slum dwellers, the Minister said that 2394 Asha Workers would be appointed to educate the slum dwellers about health and hygiene. Total 8974 Mahila Arogya Samitis would also be created in the identified slum areas. A monthly Outreach Health Camp would also be organized in the slums where the slum dwellers would undergo medical tests in the presence of the specialists’ doctors.

ALL SET FOR UPGRADATION OF PLANT AND MACHINERY IN WORKSHOPS OF PUNBUS AND PUNJAB ROADWAYS

RS. 4 CRORES TO BE SPENT ON UP GRADATION DURING THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR 2014-15

CHANDIGARH; NOVEMBER 9:

The Punjab government has approved a major initiative to upgrade of plant and machinery of Punjab Roadways and PUNBUS during the current financial year.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Punjab Government said here today that an amount of Rs. 4 Crores has been set aside for up gradation of plant and machinery during the current financial year 2014-15 and remaining plant and machinery is proposed to be purchased in 2015-16 with another capital outlay of Rs. 4 Crores. The present plant and machinery in workshops of Punjab Roadways and PUNBUS is quite old and is in urgent need of up gradation as new buses have been inducted in fleet of PUNBUS.

He said that the plant and machinery to be installed in the workshops of Punjab Roadways/ PUNBUS Automatic Car Washer and Mechanical/manual Car Washer, Digital Tyre Inflator, MIG Welding plant and Electric Welding plant, Smoke Meter, FIP Digital Calibration/phasing Machine ,Water Treatment Plant, Hydraulic/Pneumatic Wheel Tyre Dismantling and Assembling Machine, Pneumatic Wheel Bolt Tightening/Slackening Machine, Automatic Pneumatic greasing Plant, Boring/Honing Machine,Crank Shaft grinding Machine, Latest Lathe Machine, Hydraulic Press, Growler-Armature Testing Machine ,Battery Charger, Air Compressor (Big and Small),Industrial Vacuum Cleaner, Drilling Machine, Bench Grinder, Tyre Puncture Machine ,Special Tools for each Model ,Wheel Alignment Machine, Gear Box & Differential trolley, Jib Crane, Rolling Stretcher, Are Welding Single Phase, Recovery Van and Chopping Saw Cutter.

He said that the workshop building & flooring are also proposed to be upgrade with capital expenditure of Rs. 1.5 Crore.

The spokesman further said that 243 Bharat Stage III Buses have been introduced in PUNBUS in 2012-13 and 305 more buses are under induction in 2014-15. A proposal for up gradation of plant and machinery in workshops of PUNBUS and Punjab Roadways has been initiated and 18 depots of PUNBUS have been asked to submit list of plant and machinery required in their depots. This list of plant and machinery has been finalized by a committee of technical officers of the department.

NATIONAL LOK ADALAT TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 6 AT ALL LEVELS

- FRESH INSTITUTION CASES CAN ALSO BE TAKEN UP

- NO COURT FEE REQUIRED FOR FIXING A CASE IN LOK ADALAT

Chandigarh, November 9:

To dispose old cases with the objective to reduce the pendency of cases in courts, a National Lok Adalat is going to be held on December 6, 2014 at all levels from Supreme Court of India to Sub Divisional courts throughout India.

Divulging the details, a spokesman of Punjab Legal Services Authority said that fresh institution cases can also be taken up in National Lok Adalat. He said any litigant can get his case fixed for disposal in Lok Adalat by moving an application in the court where his/her case is pending or before CJM/Secretary, District Legal Services Authority in each District of Punjab. He said that applicant can get more information by dialling a toll free helpline no. 1968.

He further said that no court fee is required for fixing a case in the Lok Adalat. The court fee already affixed in a case is returned back to the litigant once his case is disposed in the Lok Adalat. The Spokesman said that many cases can be taken up in Lok Adalat including criminal compoundable cases, negotiable instrument cases u/s 138, matrimonial/family courts cases, labour disputes, land acquisition cases, civil cases-rent, bank recovery, easementary rights, debit recovery tribunal cases, revenue cases, MNREGA, electricity & water bills, cases relating to sales tax, income tax, services matters relating to pay and allowances and retiral benefits, forest act cases, railway claims, disaster compensation, pre litigation matters, Misc. appeals, criminal appeals etc.

“The award passed in the Lok Adalat cannot be challenged in an appeal or revision” he added.

PUNJAB PARTIALLY AMENDS INSTRUCTIONS ON EMPLOYEES’ TRANSFER AND POSTING

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 7:

The Punjab government has slightly amended the instructions on transfers of employees’. As per the amendment now those government employees who have two years left for their superannuation could not claim the immunity from transfer.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Personnel Department (Personnel Policies-2- Branch) said that this recent amendment has given mandate to the Administrative Heads to transfer those employees who are going to retire within two year. He said that earlier administrative heads were prohibited to transfer such employees who have only two year left in government service. The spokesperson said that this decision has been taken after in-depth deliberation at higher level. This action is aimed at bringing more transparency in the transfers and to upgrade the working of the government machinery.

He said the other instructions in this regard would remain the same as was circulated in the notification issued on June 17, 2014. He said that only that sub section of the earlier instructions has been stuck off, which reads as “any employee due for retirement in two years should not be transferred for the station he was working on”.

PUNJAB TARGETS FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT OF ONE LAC YOUTH- MITTAL

TO BOOST SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING

Chandigarh, November 9 : The Punjab government has envisaged a major initiative for skill development of one lac youth every year to meet the demand skilled man power of existing and upcoming industry.

Mr. Madan Mohan Mittal Technical Education Minister today said that the Department of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Government of Punjab has taken landmark steps to bolster vocational training and skill development, so that the students belonging to the state do not lag behind in terms of acquiring latest skills.He said that the Department said that technical education quality improvement programme has been made operational at the cost of Rs.83.90 crores in 8 engineering colleges to improve the standard of education and learning processes.

He informed that in partnership with Toyota Motors Ltd, body and paint shops have been established at ITI Ludhiana and ITI Lalru. The results of this unique venture have been excellent with the placement record of students passing out being cent per cent. Not only this, but 2 multi disciplinary academies have been established and also 5 institutes christened as Punjab Institute of Technology have been set up at Mansa, Hoshiarpur, Khunimajra, Batala and Kapurthala, with this initiative costing state exchequer Rs. 91.77 crores.

He further informed that 2 community colleges have been set up at Jalandhar and Bathinda as a consequence of partnership between hackney community college London , and Jalandhar. He said that an online admission system for ITI’s has been put in place and also a web portalwww.punjabiti.gov.in has been launched.

He further informed that 5 new ITI’s are being set up at adampur in Jalandhar, Maloud in Ludhiana, Niari in Gurdaspur, Manakpur Sharif in Mohali and Singhpura in Rupnagar. Regarding giving free training to SC and OBC students in ITI’s and post matric scholarship scheme, he clarified that in the year 2014-15, 14241 students will be among the beneficiaries and during the same session approx. 75000 students will be provided technical education in polytechnics and engineering colleges free of cost.

He informed that the central government is also chipping in with a regional vocational training institute for girls and regional directorate of apprenticeship training being set up in Mohali with its assistance.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT CHALKS OUT PROGRAMME TO CELEBRATE ‘PUNJABI WEEK’

STATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO BE FORMED FOR DISTRIBUTING ‘SHROMANI SAHIT AWARDS’

LITERARY COMPETITIONS, SEMINARS, BOOK EXHIBITIONS, POETIC RECITALS TO BE ORGANIZED FROM 15TH NOVEMBER

Chandigarh, November 9 :

The Languages Department, Punjab Government, has chalked out various programmes during ‘punjabi week’ to inculcate the feeling of love towards literature and to make people more aware about the richness of Punjabi language. The programmes will begin on 15thNovember at Bhasha Bhawan, Patiala. The Punjabi week and book exhibition will be inaugurated on the same day at bhasha bhawan at 10 AM by the Higher Education and Language Minister, Punjab, Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra.

Disclosing this Mr. Rakhra said that a state advisory committee to select literatteurs, journalists and folk artists for the conferment of ‘SHROMANI SAHIT AWARDS’ will also be given shape during the Punjabi week and a meeting will be called soon. He said that the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has taken personal interest in organizing functions during this week and released a special package of 20 lakh rupees for this purpose.

The Director, Languages department, Mr. Chetan Singh said that the programmes will be started on 15thNovember by Mr. Surjit Singh Rakhra. The function will be presided over by the Vice Chancellor of Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Dr. Gurmohan Singh Walia and Ex- Minister Surjit Singh Kohli will be the guest of honour. The function will be conducted by Punjabi Sahit Rattan Dr. Rattan Singh Jaggi. During the function, a book fair shall also be organized apart from flag hoisting, literary and musical programme. The book fair will last till 29th November.

Mr. Chetan Singh further informed that the next programme will be held on 17th November at bhasha bhawan, patiala which will be a literary seminar during the course of which the contribution of sewapanthi, udasi and nirmala sects towards Punjabi literature shall be discussed. Sant Paramjit Singh Rohtak will be the Chief Guest and it will be presided over by Mr. Baldev Singh Balluana. Mahant Kahan Singh and Sant Teja Singh will be the Special guests on this occasion. The next programme in this series shall be held on 20thNovember at Punjabi Bhawan, Ludhiana in which state level quiz competitions featuring students will be held. Mr. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, Irrigation Minister, Punjab shall be the Chief Guest on this occasion while Mr. Sarup Singh Alag will preside over the proceedings. A Drama Festival will also be held on 23rd November.

He also informed that poetic recitals and various other literary competitions will also be held on this occasion and the week would end on 29th November at bhasha bhawan, Patiala.

PUNJAB GOVERNMENT CHALKS OUT PROGRAMME TO CELEBRATE ‘PUNJABI WEEK’

STATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO BE FORMED FOR DISTRIBUTING ‘SHROMANI SAHIT AWARDS’

LITERARY COMPETITIONS, SEMINARS, BOOK EXHIBITIONS, POETIC RECITALS TO BE ORGANIZED FROM 15TH NOVEMBER

Chandigarh, November 9 :

He also informed that poetic recitals and various other literary competitions will also be held on this occasion and the week would end on 29th November at bhasha bhawan, Patiala.

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In major success Punjab Police tracks down and arrests Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) chief Harminder Singh @ Mintoo and his key operative Gurpreet Singh @ Gopi

– wanted in 10 terrorist cases

– mastermind of targeted assassination attempts in 2013

– based in Pakistan

– brought from Thailand

– arrested at Delhi airport

Chandigarh, November 7:

Punjab Police today achieved another major success in its ongoing focused drive against wanted terrorists with the arrest of the Chief of the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) Harminder Singh @ Mintoo and his key operative Gurpreet Singh @ Gopi from Delhi Airport on November 7, 2014. The KLF Chief was wanted in 10 terrorist offences and his key aide Gurpreet Singh @ Gopi had been tasked to execute a conspiracy of targeted assassinations of Hindu leaders in 2013 (foiled by Punjab Police) for disturbing the hard-earned peace in Punjab. Punjab Police traced and located them in Thailand, in co-ordination with central agencies. On November 7, 2014 they were brought from Thailand to New Delhi in co-ordination with Thai authorities and arrested at the Delhi Airport by the Punjab Police.

2. The arrest of KLF Chief Mintoo and Gurpreet Singh comes close on the heels of arrests of two top terrorists by the Punjab Police – Rattandeep Singh, the Chief of the Bhindranwale Tiger Force of Khalistan (BTFK) was arrested from Gorakhpur, UP by a police party of the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) on September 17, 2014 and top Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) terrorist Ramandeep Singh @ Goldy, wanted in the Rulda Singh murder case (2009) and the Patiala and Ambala blasts (2010) was arrested on November 06 at the Chennai airport.

3. The Counter Intelligence Wing of the Punjab Police has started an exercise of tracking the wanted terrorists who are based abroad and in this process, intelligence leads about the whereabouts of Harminder Singh @ Mintoo and Gurpreet Singh @ Gopi were received, developed and shared with the central agencies. An intelligence- based operation was immediately launched by the Punjab Police. For doing the groundwork, a two-member police party including Sh. Rajinder Singh Sohal, DSP/Rajpura and Inspector Mandeep Singh of the Counter Intelligence Wing were sent to Thailand where it camped for three weeks from September 19 upto October 11, 2014 for liaison and co-ordination with the Thai authorities and the central agencies. It was established that Harminder Singh @ Mintoo was using a fake Malaysian passport issued in the name of Gurdeep Singh s/o Sohan Singh (passport no. A22967012 issued in IPOH, Malaysia with expiry date 08-09-2015) and a fake Malaysian ID Card No. 610320086949.

The operation for tracking and locating Harminder Singh @ Mintoo and Gurpreet Singh @ Gopi was co-ordinated by Sh. Gaurav Yadav, IGP/Counter Intelligence and Sh. Ananaya Gautam, DIG/Counter Intelligence. The police party effecting the arrest(s) was headed by Sh. Narinder Bhargav, SSP/Jalandhar Rural and included police officers from district Jalandhar Rural, Gurdaspur and the Counter Intelligence Wing.

Harminder Singh @ Mintoo wanted to strengthen the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) and develop independent contacts with the foreign-based supporters and fund raisers of terrorism. While based in Pakistan, he visited Europe in 2010 to establish contacts and in June 2013 left Pakistan for an extensive tour of Europe lasting 11 months (June 2013- May 2014) – visiting Italy, Belgium, Germany, France and other European countries before reaching South East Asia in May 2014. In South East Asia, Mintoo had travelled to Cambodia, Laos and Burma, besides Thailand where he had established a base.

4. In 2013, the KLF Chief had masterminded attempts to disturb the hard-earned peace in Punjab by planning targeted killings of Hindu leaders so as to vitiate the atmosphere in the state and raise communal passions. Punjab Police had foiled the targeted assassinations and busted modules and sleeper cells. A sleeper cell of the KLF was busted on September 15, 2013 with the arrest of 03 persons (Sukhjinder Singh, Narinderpal Singh and Surinder Singh @ Chhinda) and recovery of one AK47 rifle with 20 cartridges, one 0.38 bore Smith & Wesson revolver (made in US) with 05 cartridges and one .45 bore Taurus pistol (made in Brazil) with 03 cartridges. This sleeper cell was controlled and operated by Gurpreet Singh @ Gopi and masterminded by Harminder Singh @ Mintoo (then based in Pakistan). This cell had been assigned the task of assassinating a prominent Pathankot-based Shiv Sena leader which had been pre-empted by the Punjab Police with the arrest of the terrorist module and seizure of weapons.

Another module masterminded by Mintoo was busted in Amritsar in August 2013 with the arrest of 03 persons (Karandeep Singh @ Harry, Jagdeep Singh and Satbir Singh) . This module had targeted a prominent Amritsar-based Hindu leader.

5. Harminder Singh @ Mintoo was born in village Dalli, district Jalandhar on April 29, 1967 and in the 1980s his family had shifted to Goa. He had been affected by radical ideology from the very beginning and developed contacts with Pakistan-based terrorist leaders, particularly Wadhawa Singh, the Chief of the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). In November/December 2007 Mintoo got delivered 02 arms/explosives consignment(s) to Gurbhej Singh @ Sonu and Manjit Singh @ Kala (members of the module raised by Germany-based Gurmeet Singh @ Bagga) at Ropar, and, to Sarabjit Singh, Daljit Singh and Amrik Singh of Moga, members of another terrorist module at Chamkaur Sahib through Shamsher Singh @ Shera and Manpreet Singh @ Vicky respectively. When the police raided the hideouts of Manpreet Singh @ Vicky and Mintoo on August 17, 2008, Harminder Singh @ Mintoo escaped and fled to Malaysia from where he reached Pakistan.

6. Initially in Pakistan, Harminder Singh @ Mintoo worked with the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), but being ambitious and a good organizer, he developed independent contacts with Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan and Europe and North America-based terrorist sympathizers and fund raisers and planned to raise his own outfit.

He developed independent contacts with the Pakistan Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and the ISI deputed one Colonel Azar (assumed name) to handle him. He was in regular touch with his ISI handler and took his instructions from the ISI Colonel for carrying out terrorist strikes in India.

7. Harminder Singh @ Mintoo raised another terrorist module led by Manjeet Singh @ Jeeta for targeting Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and Piara Singh Bhaniaranwala. Manjeet Singh was brought to Malaysia and visited Pakistan where he was imparted arms training in June/July 2009. This module was neutralized by the police with the arrest of Manjeet Singh and his associates.

8. Differences amongst various terrorist groups came to the fore after the July 28, 2009 attack on Sh. Rulda Singh when all groups wanted to claim credit. Mintoo decided to revive the Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) which was conceptualized in a meeting held in Malaysia in 2009 between Harminder Singh @ Mintoo and his other associates. A 5-member committee was to lead the group with short-term planning of targeting Hindu leaders and ideological targets of the terrorists, including Gurmit Ram Rahim Singh and Piara Singh Bhaniaranwala to gain credibility among the foreign-based funders and sympathizers of Punjab terrorists and to divert them to the Mintoo-led group. The terrorist group was extensively using the internet for collecting funds, attracting recruits and spreading falsehoods and hatreds.

9. Harminder Singh @ Mintoo remained on good terms with Rattandeep Singh as, earlier, both were key operatives in the Babbar Khalsa. Subsequent to the parting of ways between Mintoo and the BKI and Rattandeep developing differences with the Babbars, the two came close. Mintoo supported Rattandeep Singh with his infrastructure and the two collaborated in 2010 to smuggle a consignments of weapons and explosives, a part of which was planted in a vehicle in Amritsar near Circuit House in May 2010.

10. The following FIRs stand registered against Harminder Singh @ Mintoo:

(i) FIR No. 137 dated 17-06-2008 u/s 121/121-A IPC 4/5 Explosive Substances Act PS Sadar Jagraon, district Ludhiana Rural – arrest of Gurbhej Singh @ Sonu and Manjeet Singh @ Meeta and seizure of 24.5 kg explosive material and 25 detonators – Harminder Singh @ Mintoo masterminded the conspiracy

(ii) FIR No. 126 dated 24-09-2008 u/s 420/471/212/216/120-B IPC 4/5 Explosive Substances Act PS City Ropar, district Rupnagar – arrest of Shamsher Singh and Harminder Singh @ Mintoo declared Proclaimed Offender

(iii) FIR No. 103 dated 28-09-2009 u/s 17/18 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 PS Bhogpur, district Jalandhar Rural – Pak-trained Manjeet Singh @ Jeeta was financed by Harminder singh @ Mintoo- Jeeta arrested– financing and controlling of terrorist module by Harminder Singh @ Mintoo

(iv) FIR No. 07 dated 18-01-2010 u/s 4/5 Explosive Substances Act, 17/18/20 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, PS Sadar Nabha, district Patiala- recovery of fabricated IED near the outer wall of LPG Bottling Plant, Nabha – Jasbir Singh @ Jassa, Harjant Singh @ DC, Pargat Singh and Bakshish Singh @ Baba arrested – Harminder Singh @ Mintoo yet to be arrested – Mintoo masterminding revival of KLF by causing bomb explosions at various places in Punjab and targeting dera chiefs at the behest of Pak ISI

(v) FIR No. 08 dated 25-010-2010 u/s 3/4/5 Explosive Substances Act, 15/16 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 PS Sudhar, district Ludhiana Rural – recovery of IED in abandoned Maruti car No. HR-12 9520 near Halwara Air Force Station gate – arrest of Jasbir Singh @ Jassa, Harjant Singh @ DC, Pargat Singh and Bakshish Singh @ Baba – Harminder Singh @ Mintoo is the mastermind of the conspiracy

(vi) FIR No. 17 dated 21-02-2010 u/s 3/4/5 Explosives Substances Act, 25 Arms Act, PS Sadar Nabha, district Patiala – recovery of 40 explosive sticks, pistol 9 mm with 06 cartridges and pistol 315 bore – arrest of Jasbir Singh @ Jassa and Harjant Singh @ DC – arms and explosives arranged by Harminder Singh @ Mintoo for planting IEDs at various places in India in order to spread terror

(vii) FIR No. 21 dated 30-05-2010 u/s 17/18/20 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 3/4/5 Explosives Substances Act, PS SSOC, Amritsar – financing of terrorists acts – Harminder Singh @ Mintoo sent Rs.2 lakhs to Bakshish Singh @ Baba through Jasbir Singh @ Jassa

(viii) FIR No. 108 dated 06-09-2013 u/s 17/18/20/40 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, 120-B IPC, 153-A IPC, 25/54/59 Arms Act, PS E-Division, Amritsar – A terrorist gang was financed and controlled by Harminder Singh @ Mintoo for committing targeted assassinations of Hindu leaders and disrupting the communal harmony in the state – Satbir Singh, Karandeep Singh @ Happy and Jagdeep Singh arrested – Harminder Singh @ Mintoo yet to be arrested

(ix) FIR No. 83 dated 15-09-2013 u/s 17/18/19 Unlawful Activities (Prevention ) Act, 1967, 153-A/120-B IPC, 25 Arms Act, PS Purana Shalla, district Gurdaspur – raising of a KLF terrorist gang by Harminder Singh @ Mintoo through Gurpreet Singh @ Gopi for committing targeted assassinations of Hindu leaders and spreading communal dis-harmony in the state – arrest of Sukhjinder Singh, Narinderpal Singh and Surinder Singh @ Chhinda – Gurpreet Singh @ Gopi and Harminder Singh @ Mintoo were the masterminds and are yet to be arrested

(x) FIR No. 102 dated 02-08-2014 u/s 153-A/120-B/121-A IPC, 25 Arms Act, 17/18/20 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, PS Bhogopur, district Jalandhar – a Jammu-based terrorist module of the KZF was tasked by Harminder Singh @ Mintoo to commit terrorist strikes in Punjab which would disturb the communal harmony in the state – Harpreet Singh @ Pnitu, Paramjit Singh @ Pamma and Swaran Singh @ Soba arrested- Harminder Singh @ Mintoo yet to be arrested

11. Gurpreet Singh @ Gopi belongs to village Khokhar, district Gurdaspur and was born on October 12, 1987. After obtaining a Diploma in Electrical Engineering he left for Dubai in November 2009 where he spent the next 3½ years. From Dubai he went to Pakistan as part of religious jathas and got allured and won over by the Punjab terrorists based in Pakistan. He was given arms training in Pakistan and became an associate of Harminder Singh @ Mintoo. He was tasked by Mintoo to execute targeted assassination of a Hindu leader in Pathankot and raised a sleeper cell of the KLF for the purpose. The sleeper cell was busted by the police in September 2013. Gurpreet Singh @ Gopi remained in contact with Harminder Singh @ Mintoo and linked –up with him when Mintoo reached Thailand in 2014.

12. Harminder Singh @ Mintoo is a skilled organizer and his arrest is a major blow to the Pakistan-based terrorists and their ISI mentors. He was the mastermind behind an audacious conspiracy to commit terrorist strikes on August 15, 2014. However, the Punjab Police succeeded in foiling it. The high alert on the eve of Independence Day-2014 was partly due to the planning of Harminder Singh @ Mintoo to carry out terrorist strikes.

13. Harminder Singh @ Mintoo and Gurpreet Singh @ Gopi are being brought to Jalandhar and Gurdaspur respectively where they would be produced before the courts of competent jurisdiction for seeking their police remand for custodial interrogation.

Investigations are ongoing.

Hardeep Singh Dhillon, IPS

Additional Director General of Police,

Intelligence, Punjab

1. In last three years concerted efforts have been made by Pak ISI to revive terrorism in Punjab

2. Major attempts foiled by Punjab Police

Ø May 2012- KZF module comprising Sandeep Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Jagdish Singh & Lakhwinder Singh busted – seizure of 2.68 kg RDX, 3 detonators, 3 bombs & 2 pistols – Sandeep Singh imparted arms training in Pakistan

Ø September 2012 – Arrest of Jaswant Singh Azad – UK-based fund raiser for terrorist outfits

Ø September 2012 – Arrest of Daljit Singh Bittu and Kulbir Singh Barapind – conspiracy to create sleeper cells for targeted killings

Ø February 2013 – Arrest of Narain Singh, Sukhwant Singh Ballu and Dharam Singh – seizure of 2 MP-5 pistols, 1 revolver, 1 AK56 rifle, 1 pistol, 05 hand grenades, 270 cartridges

Ø March 2013 - KZF module – Arrest of Ranjit Singh @ Rana, Kulwinder Kaur, Salinder Kaur and Daljit Singh @ Jeetu – seizure of 06 small weapons & 90 cartridges

Ø August 2013 – KLF module in Amritsar – arrest of Satbir Singh, Karandeep Singh @ Harry & Jagdeep Singh – conspiracy to target Amritsar-based Hindu leader- controlled by Mintoo from Pakistan

Ø September 2013 – KLF Sleeper Cell busted in Gurdaspur – 04 arrested – seizure of 01 AK47 rifle, 02 small weapons, 28 cartridges – controlled by Mintoo from Pakistan

Ø October 2013 – Fatehgarh Sahib module – 16 arrested – Maharashtra-based Satnam Singh main operative – radicalized through internet – in contact with Resham Singh Babbar – seizure of 01 AK47 rifle, 11 revolvers/pistols, 36 cartridges

Ø September 2014 – arrest of BTFK Chief Ratttandeep Singh – had come for targeted killing

Ø November 2014 – arrest of Ramandeep Singh @ Goldy – key operative of Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF) – was wanted in Rulda Singh murder case

Ø November 2014 – arrest of KLF Chief Harminder Singh @ Mintoo and key aide Gurpreet Singh @ Gopi

KOHAR EXPRESSES GRAVE CONCERN AT ROAD ACCIDENTS

· BATS FOR STERN ACTION AGAINST THOSE VIOLATING TRAFFIC RULES

CHANDIGARH: November 7

The Transport Minister, Punjab , S Ajit Singh Kohar has expressed deep concern at the road accidents taking place in the state taking a toll of precious lives.

Requesting the drivers of all vehicles to obey traffic rules in their own interests Mr Kohar called for the collective efforts to be made to reduce road accidents. He issued strict instructions to the motor vehicle authorities and traffic police personnel to take strong action against the violators of traffic rules. He said that use of mobile phones while driving has been banned and drivers should always adhere to this rule. The Minister said that while driving the bus drivers should handover their mobiles to the conductors so as to be able to concentrate on following the road safety rules.

The Minister while instructing the PWD officials , said that sign boards should be displayed for the convenience of the public, wherever the road repair work was going on , so that traffic accidents could be avoided. Besides this, the minister also asked for the steel or concrete railings to be put up on village canals, wherever these are non-existent.

He also laid stress on the need for an awareness campaign to guide people about the road safety rules and its compliance.

PUNJAB STATE COMMISSION FOR NRIS, CHANDIGARH

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 5:

The present complaint is by Jagdev Singh Sanghia r/o UK an NRI, through his attorney Brig. (Retd.) Iqbal Singh Chahal. The complaint is against HDFC Bank, Model Town Branch, Jalandhar City (Punjab) and their Ex-employee Mr. Harshdeep Singh Madan, the then Public Relations Officer.

The facts in brief are that he had four fixed deposits in the said branch of Rs.14,87,848.03 (deposit account No.03404470054093 29019057), Rs.14,87,847.94 (deposit account No.03404470054083 29019057), Rs.14,87,847.96 (deposit account No.03404470054076 29019057) and Rs.14,88,528.37 (deposit account No.03404470054066 29019057). The date of deposit was 03.01.2012 and maturity date 18.01.2013. The maturity amounts were of Rs.16,32,359.18, Rs. 16,32,359.09, Rs.16,32,359.11 and Rs.16,33,105.62 respectively. He had other NRI accounts No.0304/060803335, 0304/060009694, 0304/060010494 and another account No.25251510000140 in HDFC Bank, Sheikhan Bazar, Jalandhar City (Punjab). He was given personalized services through Harshdeep Singh Madan, Public Relations Officer for the management of his account. In the year 2013, it has been found that an amount of more than 70 lakhs was withdrawn from the fixed deposits and the NRI Saving Accounts by cheating, forgery and fraud by said Harshdeep Singh Madan in connivance with the bank authorities. He though served legal notice to the bank but, only with evasive reply. He approached Grievance Redressal Officer of HDFC Bank at Mumbai but with lack of any response. He seeks intervention of this Commission for an appropriate action against them.

This Commission has noticed the contents of the complaint. A whopping amount of more than 70 lakhs has allegedly siphoned off from his account. This may be for the reasons that the bank accounts of NRIs are more vulnerable. Such like alleged frauds not only create distrust amongst the investors but also expose bank’s security. The complainant has pointed a connivance of said Harshdeep Singh Madan, the then Ex-employee of the bank. This Commission which has been established for the welfare & safe-guarding the interest of NRIs cannot shut their eyes to such like incidents and feel like to intervene. We feel that this is a fit case for inquiry/probe. However, before the matter be referred to Police/Economic Wing for inquiry, let a notice be issued to General Manager, HDFC Bank, Chandigarh, Chief Manger, HDFC Bank, Model Town Branch, Jalandhar City (Punjab) to appear before this Commission on 13.11.2014. Complainant be intimated.

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CM SLAMS CONGRESS FOR GIVING KEY ROLE TO SAJJAN KUMAR AND TYTLER IN PARTY

CONGRESS HAS RUBBED SALT INTO THE WOUNDS OF SIKHS

SIKHS WOULD NOT FORGIVE THE CONGRESS THIS GRAVE SIN

SAD'S SUPPORT TO BJP UNCONDITIONAL

DRUG PROBLEM OF THE STATE MULTI-DIMENSIONAL

BATS FOR MORE POWERS TO THE STATE

Maluka (Bathinda), November 5

Slamming the Congress party for giving pivotal role to Sajjan Kumar and Jagdish Tytler for upcoming Delhi polls, the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today said that this has vindicated the stand of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) that Congress was shielding the perpetrators of 1984 Sikh carnage.

Interacting with the media persons after inaugurating girls hostel at Government Senior Secondary School (girls) here today, the Chief Minister said that it was a known fact that the Congress party was instrumental in the genocide of Sikhs in 1984 in which thousands of innocents Sikhs were brutally killed by the mob led by the Congress leaders like Tytler and Sajjan Kumar. He said that by giving key postings to Sajjan Kumar and Tytler the Congress party has rubbed salt into the wounds of the Sikhs, for which the entire Sikh community would teach a befitting lesson to the Congress party in the coming elections. "It is ironical that instead of punishing these leaders for this heinous crime against humanity the Congress party was honoring them for their misdeeds" added Mr. Badal.

Commenting on the upcoming polls for Delhi assembly, the Chief Minister said that the SAD-BJP alliance would contest these elections together. He said that the alliance would register spectacular win in these elections by routing the other parties.

Replying to another query, the Chief Minister said that the SAD has extended unconditional support to the BJP both at the national and state level. Mr. Badal said that the alliance between both the parties was everlasting. He said that both the alliance partners would soon chalk out the strategy regarding the upcoming civic bodies’ elections in the state besides finalizing the seat sharing agreement amicably.

Terming the problems of drugs in the state as a multi-dimensional one, the Chief Minister said that the Union government must take effective steps to check the cross border peddling of drugs besides taking steps to the check the supply of drugs like poppy husk which were being sold openly in neighboring state. He said that the state government was firmly committed to eradicate the menace of drugs from the state for which were effective steps has already been taken.

When asked to comment on the delay of paddy payment in the state, the Chief Minister said that the state government has already taken up this matter with the Union government. He said that the state government was merely a facilitator or service provider in this case and the real action has to be taken by the union government.

Batting for more powers to the state, the Chief Minister said that it was the high time that true federal structure as enshrined in our constitution must be implemented in the country. He said that the states must be given more financial powers so as to ensure the all-round development of the states. Mr. Badal also advocated the need for dismantling the Union Agriculture Ministry and strengthening the Agriculture Departments in the states, so as to benefit the farmers.

Earlier addressing the gathering the Chief Minister said that Punjab was a true welfare state in the country, as the SAD-BJP alliance government has initiated a number of pro-people schemes to benefit all the sections of the society. He said that special focus was laid on providing quality education to the poor and meritorious students of the state. Likewise, Mr. Badal said that Mai Bhago Vidya Scheme has been initiated to facilitate the girls students to attend the schools by providing them bicycles free of cost.

Listing the pro-farmers initiatives of the state government, the Chief Minister said that the state government was giving free power worth Rs 5000 crore to the farmers to bail them out from the current agrarian crisis. He also exhorted the farmers to avoid heavy expenditure on agricultural implements and avail the facility of using agriculture implements on custom-hiring basis through the Primary Agricultural Cooperative (PAC) societies on which state government was giving 50% subsidy.

The Chief Minister was accompanied by Cabinet Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka. Prominent among others present included deputy director panchayati raj Mrs Parampal Kaur Maluka, chairman zila parishad Bathinda Mr Gurpreet Singh Maluka, DIG Mr Amar Singh Chahal, deputy commissioner Dr Basant Garg, SSP Mr Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, SGPC members Mr Jagroop Singh and Mr Jagjeet Singh, SAD press secretary Mr Om Prakash Sharma and others.

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LEADING JAPANESE HOUSING COMPANY EVINCES INTEREST TO INVEST IN PUNJAB

(Company delegation calls on Sukhbir Badal in Delhi)

Promises investment at Ludhiana and New Chandigarh

Chandigarh/New Delhi, November 5: The investment vision of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today got a shot in the arm with President and CEO of Tama Home Company, one of the leading housing and infrastructure company, Japan Mr.Yasuhiro Tamaki promising big investments in Punjab.

While calling on Mr. Badal the company President Mr. Tamaki flanked by a high level delegation disclosed the investment outline and said they were keen to make investments in India especially in Punjab. He said the company had initiated its program by taking over a housing project at Ludhiana.

Briefing about their specialization in serving communities by providing highest quality housing at minimum prices, Mr. Tamaki said the company could provide high quality housing at reasonable prices. He said the company could also create world class industrial estate keeping in mind the needs of the next 50 years. He asked Deputy CM to provide requisite chunk of land for this purpose while assuring investment of Japanese companies also in the proposed township.

After having detailed discussions with the company president, Mr. Badal offered a suitable land chunk near Dera Bassi, where it could create a modern industrial estate.

Mr. Badal said Punjab has already kicked off significant and unique reforms in investment sector besides starting a separate Punjab Investment Promotion Bureau-an office under direct supervision of senior officers of state. He informed the delegation that Punjab was providing all clearances and NOCs under one roof on a single application having project details.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting Mr. Y. Tamaki, President and CEO of Tama Home Company, Mr. David Rebello, CEO Developers Group of Japan and Mr. Rahul Gupta, Executive Director of Developers Group.

CAPTION: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal interacting with Japanese delegation in a meeting at New Delhi on November 5, 2014.

Punjab to houour Asian and Commonwealth medallists on November 11

(Rs. 4.29 crore to be awarded as prize money to 28 players)

(Excellent sports training facilities to be made available-Sukhbir Badal)

Chandigarh, November 5 - Punjab Government will honour players of Punjab who have brought laurels to the nation by winning medals in Incheon Asian Games 2014 and Glasgow Commonwealth games 2014 on November 11 at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh.

Expressing satisfaction on the achievements of Punjab players Mr Badal said that the Punjab Government was fully alive to its responsibility to nurture, facilitate and encourage its sportspersons who bring laurels and glory to the state and country by winning medals at national and international level. He said that the presentation of cash incentives to eminent sportspersons was only an expression of appreciation and gratitude of the state to them.

Deputy Chief Minister assured that excellent sports training facilities including hi-tech coaching by professional foreign experts would also be made available to the prospective medal winners. Reiterating his commitment to promote sports activities, Mr. Badal said four world-class centres of excellence in sports being set up at Amritsar, Bathinda, SAS Nagar and Jalandhar.

The gold medallists in Incheon Asian games included Mandeep Kaur Cheema in athletics (4X400 meter relay), Gurpreet Singh in Kabaddi, Dharamveer Singh, Manpreet Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Gurwinder Singh Chandi and Gurbaj Singh (all in hockey). Besides, in 20 KM walk, silver medal winner Khusbeer Kaur, bronze medal winner Abhinav Bhindra in 10 meter Air Rifle shooting in individual and team events, Heena Sidhu 25 meter Pistol, Amandeep Kaur in hockey and Trisha Dev in Archery have also been selected.

He further said that Glasgow Commonwealth games gold winner Abhinav Bhindra in 10 meter Air rifle shooting including silver medallists Navjot Channa in Judo 60 Kg, Dharamveer Singh, Manpreet Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Gurwinder Singh Chandi and Gurbaj Singh in hockey, Malaika Goel 10 meter Air pistol shooting, Vikas Thakur in weightlifting, Rajinder Singh Rahelu in Power Lifting (Para sport) would also be honoured.

Besides this, Arpinder Singh in Triple Jump, Rajwinder Kaur in Judo, Manavjit Sandhu in shooting and Navjot Kaur in wrestling would also get cash prizes of Rs. 6 lakh each for winning bronze medal in commonwealth games.

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PUNJAB RELEASES RS. 4.40 CRORE FOR LIVESTOCK CHAMPIONSHIP 2014-RANIKE

- ANIMAL HUSBANDRY MINISTER ANNOUNCED THE DISTRICT LEVEL SCHEDULE

Chandigarh, November 5:

Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development Minister Mr. Gulzar Singh Ranike today announced the schedule for district level livestock and milching championship 2014. He said that after giving consent by Chief Minister S. Parkash Singh Badal, Rs. 4.40 crore has been released by the Punjab Government.

Divulging the details, Mr. Ranike said that to promote livestock breeding, horse breeding and equestrian sports, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Punjab is going to organize National Livestock Championship– 2014 and all districts of the state has been divided in two groups. First competition would be held at Jalandhar & Faridkot on November 17-18.

He said that similarly District Level Livestock Championship would be held in Mohali and Mansa (November 20-21), Taran Taaran and Bathinda (November 23-24), Roopnagar and (November 26-27), Gurdaspur and Sri Mukatsar Sahib (November 29-30), Nawanshehar and Sangrur (December 1-2), Amritsar and Fazilka (December 4-5), Hoshiarpur and Patiala (December 7-8), Kapurthala and Firozpur (December 10-11), Ludhiana and Fathegarh Sahib (December 13-14) and Pathankot & Moga on December 16-17.

Mr. Ranike further said that National livestock and milching championship 2014 would be organized in Guru Gobind Singh Stadium, Sri Mukatsar Sahib from January 8 to January 12, 2015. He said that Cows, Buffaloes, Bulls, Horses, riders, breeders, attendants/grooms/ferries would participation in National Livestock Championship– 2014.

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RAHUL TEWARI TAKES CHARGE AS DIRECTOR, INFORMATION & PUBLIC RELATIONS, PUNJAB

Chandigarh, November 5:

Mr Rahul Tewari, IAS, today took charge as Director, Information and Public Relations, Punjab. A 2000-batch Punjab cadre IAS officer is Deputy Chief Minister’s Special Principal Secretary, Director (Lotteries), and will now hold the additional charge as Director, Information and Public Relations, Punjab.

Mr Tewari took over the charge from outgoing Director, Information and Public Relations, Punjab, Mr Ashwani Sharma at Punjab Civil Secretariat, here. Mr Gurwaryam Singh, Additional Director (Administration), and other senior department officials were also present during the occasion.

During a meeting with the department officials, Mr Tewari urged them to make sure the policies of the Punjab government reach the common man. He said besides using newspapers, television and radio, new age technologies would also be used for this purpose. He said that the department would also take full use of social media for educating the masses about the policies of the state government.

38-year-old Mr Tewari basically hails from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh, and prior to this posting, has remained as Deputy Commissioner of Bathinda and Ludhiana, besides being Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana.

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CM NOMINATES NEW CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF AMRITSAR AND MAUR MARKET COMMITTEES

Chandigarh, October 18-

The Punjab Government today nominated the new Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members Amritsar and Maur market committees in Amritsar and Bathinda districts respectively.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file to this effect, this morning and the formal orders regarding the nomination of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and members of market Committees Amritsar and Maur in Amritsar and Bathinda districts would be issued shortly.

As per the orders Mr. Gurpreet Singh and Mr. Sarabjeet Singh have been nominated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Market Committee Amritsar whereas Mrs. Tavinder Kaur, Mr. Pritpal Singh, Mr. Sartaj Singh, Mr. Jagtar Singh, Mr. Harjit Singh, Mr. Sukhdev Singh, Mr. Balwinder Singh, Mr. Pratap Singh, Mrs. Lakhwinder Kaur, Mr. Balwinder Singh, Mr. Dilbagh Singh, Mr. Gurmeet Singh Shah, Mr. Gurnam Singh and Mr. Dilbagh Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Kanwarjeet Singh has been nominated as Chairman of Market Committee Maur whereas Mr. Makhan Singh, Mr. Gurmel Singh, Mr. Jagdev Singh, Mr. Nirmaljit Singh, Mr. Jalor Singh, Mr. Gurmail Singh, Mr. Bhim Singh, Mrs. Nasib Kaur, Mrs. Karamjit Kaur, Mr. Vijay Kumar, Mr. Rajinder Kumar and Mr. Tej Pal besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated the members of the committee.

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BADAL GREETS PEOPLE ON PARKAS UTSAV OF SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI

Chandigarh, November 5-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today greeted the Punjabis living in country and abroad on the auspicious occasion of Parkash Utsav of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji.

In his message on the eve of Gurpurb, the Chief Minister, while describing Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji as a great spiritual ambassador, said that the first Sikh Guru showed us the path of salvation by spreading the cult of devotion to God and message of love, compassion and spirituality amongst the mankind. He said that Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji envisioned a casteless society free of rituals in order to attain salvation thereby redeeming the suffering humanity who had lost all hopes and optimism in their lives due to the oppression of foreign invaders, injustice of contemporary rulers and custodians of religious & social traditions. The Chief Minister said that Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji motivated the humanity with new ideas, aims, aspirations and called upon the people to dispense with the maladies of hypocrisy, falsehood, pretensions and caste-prejudices. "Guru Nanak Dev ji's teachings are still relevant today especially in the present complex and materialistic society", he added.

The Chief Minister exhorted the people to imbibe the spirit of service and humility as preached by the Great Guru and strive hard for carving out a peaceful, prosperous and healthy society by following the precious legacy of Guru Nanak Dev ji and celebrate this auspicious occasion with utmost devotion and dedication rising above the parochial considerations of caste, colour, creed and religion.

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SUKHBIR BADAL GREETS PEOPLE ON THE EVE OF PARKASH UTSAV OF SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI

Chandigarh, November 5: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today extended his warm greetings to the people on the eve of Parkash Utsav (Birthday) of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Congratulating people on this occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji showed us the path to spiritual salvation and his teachings continue to inspire us to embrace equality, compassion and humanism. He said that this day gives us an opportunity to deeply introspect Guru Ji's message of meditation and remembering God, honestly earning through one's physical and mental effort while accepting God's gifts and blessings and to share within society.

He said that Sri Guru Nanak's profound message of leading an honest, truthful and virtuous life would continue to guide and inspire humanity in times to come.

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MAJITHIA GREETS THE PEOPLE ON PARKASH PURAB OF GURU NANAK DEV JI

Chandigarh, November 5: Punjab Revenue & Public Relations Minister Mr. Bikram Singh Majithia today greeted the people of state on the eve of Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

In a message, Mr. Majithia said Guru ji gives the message of humanity and brotherhood and inspires us to embrace equality and compassion. Guru Nanak's teachings for an honest, truthful and virtuous life would continue to guide humanity.

Mr. Majithia appealed the people to follow the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji for the betterment of society.

MALUKA GREETS PEOPLE

ON THE EVE OF BIRTHDAY OF SRI GURU NANAK DEV JI

Chandigarh, November 5: Rural Development & Panchayat Minister Mr. Sikandar Singh Maluka, today greeted the people on the eve of holy and auspicious occasion Parkash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the first Guru of the Sikhs.

In his message on the eve of this occasion, he said that Guru Nakak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism, showed us the path of peace, harmony and righteousness. "Guru Ji inspired us to tread the path of meditation, truthfulness and universal brotherhood, the Minister added.

He said that Guru Nanak Dev ji has been apostle of universal love, piety and spiritual faith. "His divine teachings guide us on the path of social harmony and unity. He said that by following the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the world can overcome differences and work together to fight ignorance, poverty, hunger and diseases.

He called upon people to follow the high ideals and tenets of the great Guru and to re-dedicate themselves to the service of the nation and of mankind.

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RURAL DEVELOPMENT & PANCHAYATS DEPARTMENT POSTPONES SPORTS TOURNAMENTS TILL FEBRUARY

Chandigarh, November 5:

The Rural Development & Panchayats department had decided to organize various sports tournaments. These were to be held at block level from 1st to 10th November, at district level from 15th to 20th November and at state level in the last week of November.

Disclosing this here today the Rural Development & Panchayats Minister Punjab, Mr. Sikander Singh Maluka said that now it has been decided that due to Nagar Panchayat and Municipal Council elections, these tournaments will now be held in the month of February next year. Intimation regarding the change in the schedule of these

Tournaments has been sent to all concerned.

Sukhbir Badal approves e-Governance reforms for elimination of red-tapism in transport department

(Applicants to get licenses within 30 minutes anywhere in the state)

(Handheld devices for e-challaning and high security plates at dealers point)

(e-Governance reforms to be implemented by next April 5)

Chandigarh, November 4: Punjab will become the first state in the country by April next year to provide driving license within 30 minutes besides all services of transport department with Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today approved a series of online initiatives under e-Governance reforms here today.

Presiding over a high level meeting Mr. Badal accompanied by Punjab Transport Minister Mr. Ajit Singh Kohar asked the Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal to implement action plan before April next year.

Mr. Badal said his sole aim was to cut interaction of common masses with DTO offices besides bringing transparency in deliverance of all services as well as elimination of red-tapism from transport department.

Principal Secretary Transport Mr. Anurag Aggarwal apprised Mr. Badal that the action plan contained on the spot delivery of learner’s and driving license, e-challan system, sms alerts and file tracking system submitted online to transport department, registration certificate and driving license data verification, high security registration plates (HSRP) at dealer point.

He said that department had been identified 32 locations for driving test tracks including serpentine tracks for two wheelers, four wheelers and 8 wheelers with parallel parking along with public conveniences for men and women separately. He said entire rides would be monitored under CCTV cameras and the particulars of aspirants would be biometric. Under e-Governance project whole exercise would be monitored by track centre and control station and that successful participant would get their driving licenses immediately on the spot.

State Transport Commissioner Mr. Ashwani Kumar informed the meeting that those passing the tests would go for photo and get their licenses within half an hour. He said after implementation of this project under PPP mode the people would need not visit DTO offices as all services would be delivered online through website of transport department. He said applicants could track their applications through file tracking system of department.

Mr. Aggarwal informed that department was all set to launch e-challan system by providing e-challans through handheld devises to the offenders and traffic enforcement agencies. He said that application data would be consolidated and integrated at central server for further actions besides generation of online challans. He said violators could pay the fine on the spot or through portal of transport department.

It was also informed that HSRPs to be fixed at the dealers points to curtail the harassment, energy and precious time of general masses. The provisional registration of vehicles would also be made online at dealers point by depositing requisite fee online.

Mr. Aggarwal also informed that after installation of computerised check posts at barriers to collect charges from inter-state passengers’ vehicles the collection has witnessed an increase of around 60 percent. He said this system has brought transparency and efficiency in the tax collection system. Deputy CM directed to install CCTV cameras at all collection centres at barriers to monitor the functioning of staff.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Chief Secretary Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Principal Secretary Home Mr. Jagpal Singh Sandhu, ADGP R.P. Singh, Mr. Rahul Tewari, Mr. Manvesh Singh Sidhu, Mr. Ajay Mahajan (all Special Principal Secretaries) to Deputy CM.

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CM FOR CONCEIVING 'SEED DEVELOPMENT PLAN' FOR BASMATI

PATS FOR STIPULATED CONTRACT FARMING TO BENEFIT THE FARMERS

UNDERSCORES NEED FOR STRENGTHENING EXTENSION SERVICES

Chandigarh, November 4-

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today asked the Agriculture experts, Rice Exporters and state Agriculture Department to jointly chalk out a strategy for preparing a 'Seed Development Plan' for Basmati.

Presiding over a meeting of Basmati Development Board here at his residence this evening, the Chief Minister asked the Financial Commissioner Development (FCD) to constitute a committee comprising eminent Agriculture experts, progressive Rice Exporters and officers of the state Agriculture Department to undertake stipulated contract farming for the production of High Yielding (HYV) and disease resistant varieties of Basmati seeds especially of 1509 and 1121 at an assured minimum price mutually decided by the committee. He said that the Rice exporters should encourage farmers to do contract farming within the vicinity of their rice mills thereby developing pockets or clusters of HYV of Basmati seeds so that these could be supplied to the farmers interested in sowing Basmati. Mr. Badal said that this would not only propel the Basmati cultivation but would also give impetus to its export.

The Chief Minister said that the 'Seed Development Plan' of Basmati Rice should be conceived in such a manner keeping in view of the blueprint of agriculture diversification program in which the state government has targeted to bring 10-12 lakh hectare under Basmati cultivation from the next season. Mr. Badal underscored the need to educate the farmers for the cultivation of quality Basmati seed in their fields through imparting extension services with the aid of Punjab Agriculture University and the state Agriculture department adding he said that even the progressive Rice exporters should also be roped in to provide such services to the farmers.

Agreeing to the proposal of Agriculture Minister Jathedar Tota Singh, the Chief Minister asked the FCD to convene a meeting of prominent manufacturers of Harvester combine in the region to impress upon them for the production of combines compatible for the harvesting of Basmati, as of now majority of farmers due to ignorance were getting their Basmati harvested through traditional wheat combine harvesters which resulted in high rate of broken grain. Mr. Badal felt that proper knowledge and awareness about the agriculture machinery/ implements coupled with judicious use of fertilizers and pesticides would not only enhance the production of Basmati rice both qualitatively as well as quantitatively but also ensure remunerative returns to the farmers on their produce in domestic and export market.

Prominent amongst those present in the meeting included Cabinet Ministers Mr. Adesh Pratap Singh Kairon and Jathedar Tota Singh, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Mr. GS Babbehali, FCD Mr. Suresh Kumar, Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Gaggandip Singh Brar, Secretary Mandi Board Mr. Deepinder Singh, Director Agriculture Dr. Mangal Singh, Executive Director MARKFED Mr. Bal Mukand Sharma, Director Punjab Rice Millers Exporters Association Mr. Ashok Sethi and MD cum Chairman KRBL Limited Mr. Anil Kumar Mittal

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POST-MATRIC SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME

CHEEMA ASKS PUNJAB SCHOOL BOARD NOT TO CHARGE FEE FROM SC STUDENTS

· INCLUDES SENIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS FIRST TIME INTO THE AMBIT OF POST MATRIC SCHEME

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 4:

Punjab Education Minister Dr. Daljeet Singh Cheema has given strict directives to Education Board for implementation of Post Matric Scholarship Scheme in true spirit besides not charging fee from eligible Scheduled Castes students under this scheme.

In a communiqué to Secretary Education Board Dr. Cheema conveyed not to charge fee examination fee from SC students having annual income less than 2.5 lakh. He said Punjab has also decided to induct students of class XII to the fold of Post Matric Scheme and in future examination fee from these students could not be charged. He said concerned authorities would send total demand of fee to Director Education (senior Secondary) so that they could further send the same to Welfare Department for disbursement of payments.

Dr. Cheema asked all authorities to implement Post Matric Scholarship scheme in true spirit so that maximum eligible students could take its advantage.

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Punjab Construction Workers Welfare Board takes important decisions

Increases pension of registered beneficiaries to 20000 per annum

Chandigarh, November 4:

Punjab Construction Workers Welfare Board held it’s 14th meeting recently under the chairmanship of Labour Minister, Punjab, Chunni Lal Bhagat . In the meeting some important decisions were taken.

Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the Punjab Government said that the pension given to the registered beneficiaries which earlier stood at minimum Rs. 4000 and maximum Rs. 10000 per annum, has now been increased to minimum Rs. 5000 and maximum Rs. 20000 per annum. Those beneficiaries, who earlier only once in 4 years used to get Rs. 2000 under LTC scheme, will now be able to avail this facility after every 2 years and they can also avail this facility for the purpose of going to their hometown.

The spokesperson further said that in the earlier period, in case of the death of a beneficiary or being totally disabled, the beneficiary or his family used to get Rs. 1 lakh amount. Now it has been increased to Rs. 2 lakh in case of accidental death and Rs. 1.50 lakh in case of natural death or total disability. Besides this, women beneficiaries will getRs. 5000 as maternity assistance upto the birth of 2 children.

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2 CHIEF ENGINEERS, 2 SUPERINTENDING ENGINEERS, 12 XEN'S FOUND ABSENT DURING SURPRISE CHECK IN IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT OFFICES

· 20 OTHER CLASS-I OFFICERS, 126 CLASS-III AND 71 CLASS-IV EMPLOYEES ALSO FOUND ABSENT

· KAHAN SINGH PANNU CARRIES THIS SURPRISE CHECKS IN OFFICES OF CHIEF ENGINEERS OF DEPARTMENT OF IRRIGATION IN CHANDIGARH & MOHALI.

Chandigarh, November 4:

Two Chief Engineers, 2 Superintending Engineers, 12 XEN's, 20 Other Class-I Officers, 126 Class-III And 71 Class-IV Employees were found absent during a surprise check carried by Mr Kahan Singh Pannu, IAS, Secretary Irrigation today. This check was carried in different offices of Chief Engineers of the Department of Irrigation, Government of Punjab at Chandigarh and Mohali, today.

Disclosing this here today, Mr Pannu informed that the raid was conducted by constituting ten teams at 9.15 am with a view to check the attendance of the officers and employees. He informed that during the course of raid, 2 Chief Engineers, 2 Superintending Engineers , 12 XEN's and 20 other Class-I officers, 126 Class III and 71 Class IV employees were found absent.

Mr Kahan Singh Pannu strictly directed the employees and officers to maintain punctuality in office timings failing which strict action shall be taken against them. Mr Pannu informed that competent authorities in the Department have been directed to take necessary action against those who have been found absent from their offices during the raid.

He further said that such surprise checks would be a routine feature and all the staff of Department of Irrigation should report to offices on time, failing which strict action would be taken against them.

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4 IAS AND 6 PCS OFFICER TRANSFERRED

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 4:

The Punjab Government has issued posting and transferred order of 4 IAS and 6 PCS officers. Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Punjab government said that as per the orders Mr. Sarvesh Kaushal, Chief Secretary besides his present assignments has been given additional charge of Principal Secretary Governance Reforms, Mr. Sumer Singh Gurjar has been posted as Secretary, Punjab State Commission for protection of child rights.Mr. Rahul Tiwari IAS besides his present assignments has been given additional charge of Director Information and Public Relations. Mr. Ashwani Kumar has been posted as State Transport Commissioner and Additional Special Secretary Transport.

The spokesperson further said that Mr. Daljit Singh PCS has been posted as Special Secretary Agriculture and in addition Additional Director Colonisation, Dr. Amarpal Singh PCS has been posted as CEO PEDA and in addition Additional Secretary NRI Affairs. Mr. Gurpreet Singh Khaira besides his present assignments has been given additional charge of Commissioner Municipal Corporation Jalandhar, Mr. Amit Talwar PCS posted as Additional MD PUNSUP. Ms. Amaninder Kaur PCS posted as GM (Personnel and Admin) and Mr. Harshuinderpal Singh Brar PCS has been transferred and posted as AMD Punjab State Warehousing Corporation and in addition Deputy Director (Admin) Punjab State Agriculture Marketing Board.

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EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HANDS OVER APPOINTMENT LETTERS TO 54 LECTURERS AND TEACHERS OF ADARSH SCHOOLS

· 34 TGT AND 20 PGT WERE ALLOTTED STATIONS AT THE SPOT AS PER THEIR CHOICE

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 4:

The Education Department has issued appointment letter to 54 lecturers and teachers of Adarsh Schools and given posting orders at the stations as per their choice at the spot.

Disclosing this here today an official spokesman said that Mr. GK Singh, Director General School Education has given away the appointment letters. He said that pursuing directions of Education Minister Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema for upgrading the faculty in the schools recruitment process has been geared up. He said that besides 54 Lecturers and teachers, appointment letters to 219 Head Master/Mistress under RMSA have also been issued. All these recruits have also allotted the station as per their choice at the spot.

He further said that among these 54 new recruits 34 are Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) and 20 are Trained Graduate teachers (TGT). Divulging the details he said that all the newly appointed PGT and TGT were called for allotting stations. He said all the vacant stations were being flashed on a big screen. All the PGT and TGT were asked to give their preferences against the vacant station flashing on the screen. The stations were allotted at the spot as per the request of the lecturers and teachers.

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Indian Oil inks landmark MoU with Govt. of Punjab

Natural Gas infrastructure in the State to be developed

Chandigarh, November 4 :

Indian Oil Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation Limited (PSIDC), Government of Punjab for development of Natural Gas infrastructure, City Gas distribution, supply of natural gas and Total Energy Solutions in the state today.

The MoU was inked in the presence of Minister of Industries & Commerce, Punjab, Madan Mohan Mittal by Raminder Singh, IAS, Managing Director/PSIDC and Sh. R K Tiku, General Manager (Gas), Indian Oil Corporation.

On this occasion Mr. Tiku briefed the Minister about the scope of the MoU and investment plans of Indian Oil for the state of Punjab. He also gave details about various initiatives taken by Indian Oil for creating gas related infrastructure in the country. IOAGPL, a JV of Indian Oil, has already begun work on development of City Gas Distribution network in areas of Mohalli, Zirakpur Banpur and Dera Bassi as part of the authorization granted to them for Chandigarh Geographical area. The project envisages an investment of over Rs. 200 Crores in Punjab over the next 3-5 years. In addition, GIGL, another JV of Indian Oil is constructing appx. 2350 kms of Bhatinda-Jammu-Srinagar gas pipeline (BJSPL). As part of this, over 460 kms of gas pipeline will be laid in Punjab with an investment of over Rs. 1200 Crores.

Mr. Mittal appreciated the joint endeavour and said special attention is required to be paid to the energy sector for industrial development in the state. He assured full support of the Punjab Government for the activities envisaged in the MoU.

The others present on this occasion were Sh.Karan Avtar Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary Industries & Commerce, Government of Punjab, Sh.Avtar Singh Hit, Chairman/PSIDC, Sh.Rajesh Aggarwal, Vice Chairman/PSIDC, Sh.Yogesh Kumar Goel/Additional Managing Director/PSIDC from Government of Punjab and Sh. P K Das, Executive Director, Punjab State Office, Indian Oil Corporation and other senior officials of Indian Oil Corporation.

With these and other gas related project that will be planned jointly by Indian Oil and PSIDC in the state, it is expected that the consumption of natural gas will grow ten times in the next ten years in the state.

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Punjab sets aside Rs. 70 crore for subsidy on installation of underground irrigation pipes-Tota Singh

90 percent subsidy to be given under joint project and 50 percent for individual tubewells

Chandigarh, November 4: The Punjab Government today gave a big push to irrigation system in the state by setting aside Rs. 70 crore to provide subsidy under joint projects and to individual tube wells.

While presiding over a review meeting of soil and water conservation department, Agriculture Minister Mr. Tota Singh said Punjab has chalked out a comprehensive irrigation program under which two-tier subsidy would be provided. He said underground irrigation pipes would be installed throughout the state. The Minister said under this unique initiative 90 percent subsidy would be provided to joint project of farmers while 50 percent or Rs. 22000 per hectare to farmers under individual project.

The Minister informed that this irrigation network would make the availability of water at the tail ends. He said that areas having saline water including Mansa, Barnala, Sangrur, Bathinda and Sri Mukatsar Sahib would be taken on priority to install underground irrigation water pipes.

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ONE IAS AND FOUR PCS OFFICERS CHARGE SHEETED

Chandigarh, November 4:

The Punjab Government today issued charge sheet for major penalty to one IAS and four PCS officers for allegedly causing financial loss to the government during the year 2007-2009 when they were posted as District Transport Officers in different districts.

According to an official spokesperson Mr. Chander Gaind IAS, Presently posted as Special Secretary Higher Education, Mr. Vinod Kumar Setia presently posted as SDM, Baba Bakala, Mr. Parmjit Singh PCS presently posted as SDM Kapurthala, Mr. Manmohan Singh Kang presently posted as SDM Gurdaspur and Mr. Jasbir Singh-1 PCS presently posted as Additional Commissioner Municipal Corporation Amritsar have been chargesheeted by the order of the Chief Minister & order Parkash singh Badal.

Giving the details spokesperson said that special internal audit conducted in DTO office Ludhiana found that Mr. Chander Gaind caused a loss of Rs. 26.81 lakh to the government due to his failure to recover taxes during their tenure. Similarly Mr. Vimal Kuamr Setia PCS during his posting as DTO Amritsar and other districts from 1-04-2007 to 31-12-2009 caused a financial loss of Rs. 85.39 lakh to the state exchequer. Mr. Parmjit Singh during his posting of DTO Amritsar and Ludhiana from 1-04-2007 to 31-12-2009 caused a loss of Rs. 87.09 lakh. Similarly the internal audit found that Mr. Manmohan Singh Kang PCS during his posting as DTO Amritsar and other districts caused a financial loss of Rs. 82.89 lakh to the state exchequer. The spokesperson said that similarly in the case of Mr. Jasbir Singh-1 PCS, audit pointed out that he caused a financial loss of Rs.82.89 lakh to the state exchequer.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT TAKES EFFECTIVE STEPS TO CHECK THE OUTBREAK OF DENGUE IN THE REGION

· DIAGONOSTIC TESTS OF SUSPECTED DENGUE PATIENTS TO BE DONE FREE OF COST-JAYANI

· SPECIAL TEAMS OF DOCTORS TO REVIEW THE PREVENTIVE MEASURES

· ONLY 241 CASES HAVE BEEN REPORTED THIS YEAR AGAINST 2514 LAST YEAR

Chandigarh November 4: The Health department of Punjab was all set to take preventive measures to control the rise in the number of the vector borne diseases in Punjab. The doctors have been sensitized to tackle the occurrence of dengue in the state. Larvae surveillance activities have been enhanced with the close coordination of district and town administrations across the state.

Stating this here today, Punjab Health Minister Mr. Surjit Kumar Jayani said that the diagnostic tests of suspected dengue cases in the laboratories of the government hospitals would be done free of cost with sophisticated NSI Antigen and IgM Mac Elisa kits. Blood samples would also be collected free of cost, said Mr. Jayani. The Minister has also directed all concerned officers to reinforce their efforts for dengue control in Punjab. Special dengue wards at every district and sub divisional levels have been thoroughly covered with mosquito nets.

Mr. Jayani also said that special teams of doctors have also been constituted so that each department engaged in this task would be reviewed separately time to time, besides extensive follow-ups to keep the surroundings clean as much as possible. Meanwhile the Minister has also asked the elected representatives to actively participate in public awareness activities in their respective areas. He also stressed for initiating community orientation activities to raise awareness among general public about dengue control methods.

The Health Minister also said that breeding checkers have been employed in 40 towns of Punjab during the year 2014-15 for checking and destroying the breeding habitats. Besides this the insecticides for prevention and control of mosquito breeding have already been procured and would be distributed to all the districts shortly. Sprays of insecticides have also been started where even a single case of dengue is reported. As compared to last year’s dengue reported cases of 2514, this year because of the effective and well planned preventive measures taken by the state government only 241 cases have

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STRATEGIC TIE UP BETWEEN SPAIN AND PUNJAB IN VARIOUS FIELDS ON CARDS

SPANISH ENVOY CALLS ON CM

BADAL FOR WORKING OUT AN INBUILT MECHANISM BETWEEN SPAIN AND PUNJAB IN FIELDS OF WATER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY, AGRO AND FOOD PROCESSING, BIO-WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

Chandigarh, November 4-

Spanish Ambassador to India Mr. Gustavo De Aristegui today offered to forge collaboration with the Punjab government in the field of water treatment technology, agro and food processing, bio-waste management and renewable energy.

The envoy, who called on the Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal here at CMO this morning, evinced keen interest to seek partnership with the state government on the key areas of strategic development through sharing latest technological advancements and expertise especially in the water treatment and renewable energy where Spain had a proven track record of undisputed world over leadership.

Taking part in the deliberations, Mr. Aristegui informed the Chef Minister that he would lead a high powered delegation of leading players in these fields to have detailed discussions with the top brass of the state government in order to materialize the proposals of mutual interests. He also said that Spain could also help the Punjab government in providing hi-end technology to manage the problem of solid waste adding the visiting ambassador said that the Municipalities in two Spanish towns of Barcelona and Madrid were having the state-of-art mechanism of solid waste management, which could also be replicated in the major towns of the state. Likewise, Mr. Aristegui also offered to render expertise in food technology and agro processing sector to ensure remunerative returns to the farmers’ for their produce after its value addition.

The Spanish Ambassador was apprised in the meeting that the Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal would lead a delegation to Barcelona for attending smart city expo 2014 later this month. Meanwhile, Mr. Aristegui said that he would be eager to welcome them and would also arrange meetings with the renowned industrialists and entrepreneurs in these fields to further crystallize these proposals which came up for today’s discussions into action.

Responding to the proposals put forth by Mr. Aristegui, the Chief Minister urged the former to work out an inbuilt mechanism between Spain and Punjab so that these discussions should not merely limit to the meetings rather these should be implemented in the right earnest. He deputed his Principal Secretary Mr. SK Sandhu to chalk out the details of the meetings to be held with the visiting delegation of the industrialists from Spain to be headed by Mr. Aristegui in the mid of December. Mr. Badal also asked the Chief Executive Officer of Industrial Promotion Bureau to tie up and pursue with the interested companies/ concerns to set up their ventures in Punjab as a follow up to the proposed meeting. The Chief Minister also sought time tested and economically viable technology for the cleaning of village Ponds, which were posing a major health and environment hazard besides recycling of stagnated water for irrigation and domestic use.

Prominent amongst other present in the meeting included Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. SK Sandhu, Secretary Housing and Urban Development Mr. A Venuprasad and Special Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Mr. Ajoy Kumar Sharma.

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MARKET COMMITTEE OF GIDDERBAHA GETS NEW CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS

· CM OKAYS THESE NOMINATIONS

CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 04:

The Punjab Government today nominated new Chairman, Vice Chairman and members in the market committees of Gidderbaha in Sri Muktsar Sahib District.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file to this effect this morning and the formal orders regarding the nomination of the Chairman, Vice Chairman and members of market Committees of Gidderbaha in Sri Muktsar Sahib district would be issued in due course of time.

As per the orders, Mr. Surjit Singh and Mr. Om Parkash have been nominated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Gidderbaha Market Committee whereas Mr. Lakhvir Singh, Mr. Mandir Singh, Mr. Kulwant Singh, Mr. Gurprem Singh, Mr. Khuswinder Singh, Mr. Makhan Singh, Mr. Harjit Singh, Smt. Mohinder Kaur, Mr. Sarup Chand, Mr. Gurmeet Singh, Mr. Swaraj Singh, Mr. Bhagwan Dass, Mr. Jagjit Singh and concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

….......

I-CARD OF RAJYA SABHA MEMBERS RECOGNISED AS IDENTITY PROOF

Chandigarh, November 3:

The Punjab Government has decided to include the Identity Cards issued to the members of the Rajya Sabha in the list of documents for identity proof.

Disclosing this, a spokesperson of the Punjab Govt. said that this step has been taken as per the directions of the Department of Parliamentary Affairs (Parliamentary Affairs Branch), Government of India.

The spokesperson also said that directions have been issued to all the Heads of Departments, Commissioners of Divisions, Deputy Commissioners and Sub-Divisional Magistrates for its compliance.

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LUDHIANA LEADS IN PADDY PROCUREMENT

• OVER 96 LAKH M TONNES OF PADDY PROCURED TILL DATE

Chandigarh November 4: District Ludhiana took a lead by procuring maximum of 11,51,111 M tonnes of paddy till date during the ongoing paddy procurement operations in the state while Sangrur and Moga remained on second and third positions with the total procurement of 10,95,408 M tonnes and 9,60,641 M tonnes of paddy respectively.

Stating this here today a spokesman of the government said that 96, 88,949 M tonne of paddy has procured in all the 1806 purchase centres set up by the state government till last evening. The government agencies procured 5,15,514 M tonnes i.e 98.2% and the private agencies procured 1, 73,435 M tonnes i.e 1.8% so far.

He further said that PUNGRAIN maintaining its lead amongst the government agencies and had procured the maximum 30, 05,705(31.6%) M tonne paddy in the mandis of state whereas MARKFED procured 22, 091,671 (23.2%), PUNSUP 21, 27,835 (22.4%), PSWC 9, 43,193 (9.9%) PAFC procured 9, 79,848(10.3%). The Central government agency FCI has procured 2, 49,262 M tonnes of paddy (2.6%), he added.

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PUNJAB CAUTIONS INVESTORS INVESTING IN N.B.F.C

- ISSUES ADVISORY TO INVEST ONLY RBI REGISTERED AND APPROVED COMPANIES

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 4:

The Punjab Government has issued advisory to the investors of the state to shun the practice of investing their hard earned money into non- registered Non Banking Finance Companies (N.B.F.C).

Disclosing this here today an official spokesperson of the Finance department said that as per the law only those Non Banking Finance Companies that have been authorised to collect money and got themselves registered from RBI. He said that N.B.F.C could not offer more than 12.5% interest on the public deposits. Similarly the N.B.F.C could not accept the deposit for a period which is lesser than 12 months and more than 60 months. The N.B.F.Cs could also not extend freebies and other lucrative offers and gifs.

He said that the list of the N.B.F.C registered with RBI is available on www.nbfclist.org.in. He further said that it has been noticed that most of the frivolous N.B.F.C amass public money by playing fraudulent tactics. He said that the advisory issued by the Punjab Government is aimed at generating awareness among the masses.

He said that the state government earlier also organised state level sensitization workshop in which senior level govt. functionaries in the rank of Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development), RBI and SEBI officials had participated. He said that the ADCs (Development) who are also holding the charge of joint director, institutional finance were sensitized to keep a close tab on the working of N.B.F.C of their respective areas.

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PUNJAB STATE COMMISSION FOR NRIS, CHANDIGARH

BLOCK-A, ROOM NO.6, PUNJAB CIVIL SECRETARIAT-2, SEC-9, CHANDIGARH.

Email: nricommpb@gmail.com

Complaint No. 913 by Jagdev Singh Sanghia

Complainant be intimated.

S. CHATTOPADHYAYA

ADGP-cum-Member

JUSTICE ARVIND KUMAR (RETD.)

Chairman

PYROLYTIC INDUSTRY TO FOLLOW NEW ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY- SUKHBIR BADAL

(Pyrolytic units to come up in notified industrial focal points or designated industrial lands only)

(Import of raw material even from other states not allowed)

Chandigarh, November 3 - With a view to provide big relief to pyrolytic industry, state government on the directions of Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has allowed setting up of Pyrolysis plants in the notified focal points, industrial areas and designated industrial land use areas in the state.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesman said that Deputy Chief Minister has taken personal intervention in the matter to save the existing 50 pyrolytic industrial units besides framing a new policy for setting up of new units. After considering various environmental and legal issues and suggestions received from the public, final policy got approval of Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB). Accordingly, Punjab government has issued fresh guidelines for setting up of waste-tyre based pyrolysis plants extracting fuel oil to adopt pollution prevention measures.

Sorting out their long pending issues Science, Technology and Environment Department in its new guidelines has allowed setting up of Pyrolytic units in notified or approved focal points, industrial areas and designated industrial land use areas besides approving the clearance to existing units which have applied before March 31, 2013 and are fulfilling new guidelines.

To tackle environmental and safety issues, clear instructions have been issued regarding code of practice and pollution abatement measures for all Pyrolytic units. Besides, state government imposed a complete ban on procurement or import of raw material from foreign off-shores or even from other states within the country and all units including existing ones would be allowed to process the waste tyres or waste rubber products generated from within the state of Punjab only.

The Pyrolytic industry would not be allowed to discharge waste water generated from oil-water separators anywhere. The new units would have to develop a green belt of minimum 4 meters width along the boundary of the plant.

Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has directed the concerned departments to implement these guidelines to ensure that the business activities of Pyrolytic industry could come back on the fast track without compromising with environment and public safety.

Recently, a number of units using pyrolysis process for extraction of fuel oil from the waste rubber tyres were being set up in the state. Deputy Chief Minister has received complaints from public regarding pollution caused by pyrolytic units and a few accidents have also occurred in such plants due to unsafe and inappropriate operations of pyrolysis reactors. Thus, Mr. Badal headed a number of meetings to get logical solution of this problem so that neither pyrolytic industry nor public should pay for it. EOM

TWO MORE MARKET COMMITTEES OF FARIDKOT AND KOTAKPURA GET NEW CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS

CM GIVES NOD FOR THESE NOMINATIONS IN FARIDKOT AND KOTAKPURA IN FARIDKOT DISTRICT MARKET COMMITTEES

CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 03:

The Punjab Government today nominated new Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members in the two more market committees of Faridkot and Kotakpura in Faridkot district.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file to this effect this afternoon and the formal orders regarding the nomination of the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members of market Committees of Faridkot and Kotakpur in Faridkot district would be issued shortly.

As per the orders Mr. Gujtej Singh Gill and Mr. Gaggandip Singh Sukhija have been nominated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Faridkot Market Committee whereas Mr. Lakhwinder Singh, Mr. Roop Singh, Mr. Karamjit Sharma, Mr. Kripal Singh, Mr. Bachitar Singh Gill, Mr. Ranjit Singh, Mr. Gurtej Singh, Mr. Amandeep Singh, Mrs. Nirapjit Kaur, Mr.Sudhir Chabbra, Mr. Parmod Kumar, Mr. Sukhdev Singh, Mr. Vinod Kumar, Mr. Harphool Singh and concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Jaspal Singh Maur and Mr. Sham Sundar Mehngi have been nominated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Kotakpura Market Committee whereas Mr. Jasbir Singh, Mr. Gurjant Singh Chahal, Mr. Dal Singh, Mr. Shivdev Singh, Mr. Kulwant Singh, Mr. Narinder Singh, Mr. Sukhmandar Singh, Mrs. Kulwinder Kaur, Mr. Maninder Singh, Mr.Ashok Kumar, Mr. Parveen Kumar Garg, Mr. Jasmail Singh, Mr. Rajbir Singh, Mr.Mukha Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

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ELEVEN MARKET COMMITTEES OF LUDHIANA AND FEROZEPUR DISTRICTS GET NEW CHAIRMAN, VICE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS

CM GIVES NOD FOR THESE NOMINATIONS IN SAHNEWAL, JAGRAON, DAKHA, QILA RAIPUR, SIDHWAN BET AND HATHUR IN LUDHIANA DISTRICT, FEROZEPUR CITY, FEROZEPUR CANTT.,MAMDOT, TALWANDI BHAI AND ZIRA IN FEROZEPUR DISTRICT MARKET COMMITTEES

CHANDIGARH NOVEMBER 03:

The Punjab Government today nominated new Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members in the eleven market committees of Ludhiana and Ferozepur districts.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office, said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal cleared the file to this effect and the formal orders regarding the nomination of the Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and members of market Committees Sahnewal, Jagraon, Dakha, Qila Raipur, Sidhwan Bet and Hathur in Ludhiana district and Ferozepur City, Ferozepur Cantt., Mamdot, Talwandi Bhai and ZIra in Ferozepur district would be issued shortly.

As per the orders Baba Jagroop Singh and Mr. Vinod Kumar have been nominated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Sahnewal Market Committee whereas Mr. Sukhwinder Singh, Mr. Baldev Singh, Mr. Dupinder Singh, Mr. Jagtar Singh, Mr. Balwant Singh, Mrs. Daljeet Kaur, Mr.Avtar Singh, Mr. Ranjit Singh, Mr. Surinder Singh, Mr.Sarabjit Singh, Mr.Prabhdyal Singh, Mr.Harinder Singh, Mr. Jagdish Singh and Mr. Gurmit Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Harsurinder Singh Gill and Mr. Hari Om have been nominated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Jagraon Market Committee whereas Mr. Manjinder Singh, Mr. Nirbhey Singh, Mr. Shivraj Singh, Mr. Jagjit Singh, Mrs. Sukhwinder Kaur, Mr. Baldev Singh, Mrs. Amarjit Kaur, Mr.Jagraj Singh, Mr. Kamaljit Singh, Mr.Gurmit Singh, Mr. Amarjit Singh, Mr. Dev Singh, Mr. Jagjit Singh and Mr. Manjit Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

Similarly, Mr. Amarjit Singh and Mr. Gurdip Singh have been nominated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Dakha Market Committee whereas Mr. Lakhvir Singh, Mr. Iqbal Singh, Mrs. Amarjit Kaur, Mrs. Sukhvinder Kaur, Mr. Iqbal Singh, Mr. Jagwinder Singh, Mr. Gurinder Singh, Mr. Sukhdarshan Singh, Mr. Iqbal Singh, Mr. Vijay Kumar, Mr. Bhupinder Singh, Mr. Balveer Singh, Mr. Gurdev Singh and Mr. Mehar Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

For Qila Raipur Market Committee, Mr. Manmohan Singh and Mr. Mahinder Singh have been nominated as Chairman and Vice Chairman whereas Mr. Avtar Singh, Mr. Sadhu Singh, Mrs. Randhir Kaur, Mr. Bhagwant Singh, Mrs. Manjit Kaur, Mr. Gurjit Singh, Mr. Updesh Singh, Mr.Gursharan Singh, Mr. Gurjit Singh Grewal, Mr. Maghar Singh, Mr. Ashok Kumar, Mr. Jaswinder Singh, Mr. Darshan Singh, Mr. Jagtar Singh and Mr. Mahinder Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Jagdish Singh and Mr. Manjinder Singh have been nominated as Chairman and Vice Chairman of Sidhwan Bet Market Committee, whereas Mr. Santa Singh, Mrs. Kuljit Kaur, Mr. Kulwant Singh, Mr. Amarjeet Singh, Mr. Kamalpreet, Mr. Charan Singh, Mrs. Brahmjit Kaur, Mr.Bohar Singh, Mr. Kaka Singh, Mr. Satwant Singh, Mr. Kunal Bansal, Mr. Jarnail Singh, Mr. Joginder Singh, and Mr. Chamkaur Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

In the same manner, Mr. Chand Singh Bhalla and Mr. Parminder Singh have been nominated the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Hathur Market Committee whereas Mr. Budh Singh, Mr. Roop Singh, Mr. Jagjit Singh, Mr. Resham Singh, Mrs. Jaswinder Kaur, Mr.Balvir Singh, Mr. Harcharan Singh, Mr. Satpal Singh, Mr. Atma Singh, Mr. Sunil Kumar, Mr. Gurbachan Singh, Mr. Satpal Singh, Mr. Gurdev Singh and Mr. Gurmit Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

As per the orders, Mr. Jugraj Singh and Mr. Gurnaib Singh have been nominated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Ferozepur City Market Committee whereas Mr. Sandeep Singh, Mr. Paramjit Singh, Mr. Amrik Singh, Mr. Darbara Singh, Mr.Darshan Singh, Mr. Mangal Singh, Mrs. Bhrawan Bhai, Mr. Mandeep Singh, Mrs. Nirmal Kaur, Mr.Jugraj Singh, Mr. Gurnek Singh, Mr. Resham Singh, Mr. Gurpreet Singh DhillonParshotam Lal Khanna, Mr. Heera Lal Khandharia and Mr. Manjit Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr.Bachitar Singh and Mr. Ranjit Singh have been nominated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Ferozepur Cantt. Market Committee whereas Mr. Malkit Singh, Mr. Baljit Singh, Mr. Gurprit Singh, Mr. Gurtej Singh, Mr. Sukhraj Singh, Mr. Jharmal Singh, Mr. Shingara Singh, Mr.Albat Singh, Mrs. Manjit Kaur, Mr. Balbir Singh, Mr.Brij Bhushan Aggarwal, Mr.Younes, Mr. Darshan Singh and Mr.Baldev Singh, besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

Meanwhile, Mr.Harcharan Singh and Mr. Parveen Kumar Bholevasian have been nominated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Mamdot Market Committee whereas Mr. Jajbeer Singh, Mr. Sukhvinder Singh, Mr. Inderjit Singh, Mr. Gurmail Singh, Mr. Rashpal Singh, Mr. Punjab Singh, Mr. Lal Singh, Mr. Sarwan Singh, Mrs. Sumitra Bai, Mr. Amarjeet Singh Sethi, Mr. Shamsher Singh Kakkar, Mr. Gurpartap Singh, Mr. Mor Singh, Mr. Balwinder Kumar Nanda and Mr. Harcharan Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

Likewise, Mr. Sukhwinder Singh and Mr. Jagdish Kumar have been nominated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Talwandi Bhai Market Committee whereas Mr. Gurmit Singh, Mrs. Veerpal Kaur, Mr.Dharmal Singh, Mr. Sukhpreet Singh, Mr. Harjinder Singh, Mr. Gurbaksh Singh, Mr. Baldev Singh, Mr.Ruldhu Singh, Mrs. Paramjeet Kaur, Mr. Sukhwinder Singh, Mr. jagdish Kumar, Mr. Durga Dass, Mr.Kiranpal Singh, Mr. Jagroop Singh, Mr. Sita Ram and Mr. Gurmit Singh, besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

Similarly, Mr. Bahadur Singh Hardasa and Mr. Gopal Dass have been nominated as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Zira Market Committee whereas Mr. Gurcharan Singh, Mr. Baldev Singh, Mr. Nishan Singh, Mr. Darshan Singh, Mr. Harjeet Singh, Mr. Sukha Singh, Mr. Pipal Singh, Mrs. Manjeet Kaur, Mrs. Gurvinder Kaur, Mr. Varinder Kumar, Mr. Amrik Singh, Mr. Subha Singh, Mr.Jaswinder Singh and Mr. Sardul Singh besides the concerned BDPO have been nominated as the members of the committee.

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NO MORE EXTENSION FOR EMPLOYEES FACING INQUIRIES

· COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED IN EACH DEPARTMENT TO SCAN EACH EMPLOYEE OPTING FOR EXTENSION

CHANDIGARH, NOVEMBER 3:

The Punjab Government has partially amended instructions for giving extension to its employees upto the age of 60 and put a rider that any employee facing departmental inquiry/Criminal case or vigilance case would not be eligible for extension.

Disclosing this here today, an official spokesperson of the Finance Department (Personnel 2 branch) said that this decision has been taken to provide corruption free and transparent administration. He said that directions in this regard have been issued to the Administrative Secretaries of all the departments to prepare the list of all such employees such employees who are facing departmental inquiry/Criminal case or vigilance case and a committee under administrative secretary with director or head of department as member would take a call on the employee facing such charges well before his retirement for granting extension.

He said that the state government in the year 2012 has launched the scheme of granting extension of one year or two years after the age of superannuation of service i.e. 58 years. He said that the government has also decided to amend the notification issued on October 8, 2012 and instructions issued on January 22, 2013 to ensure that the tainted employees are not granted extension in service after 58 year of age.

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ONE THOUSAND CRORE BE SPENT THIS FISCAL ON TOURISM PROMOTION: THANDAL

· INCREASED INFLOW OF TOURISTS IN THE STATE REJUVENATED HOTEL INDUSTRY IN PUNJAB

Chandigarh, November 3:

The Punjab government has set aside a budget of Rs. 1000 crore for this financial year to conserve the monuments of historical importance and to further provide the impetus to the tourism sector in the state. It was disclosed by Mr. Sohan Singh Thandal, Tourism Minister, Punjab in a press communiqué released here today.

The Minister said that with the increase in influx of the tourists in the state Hotel Industry is witnessing a boom. He said that Punjab government was contemplating to grant Industry status to the Hotel profession in the state. “Duty free electricity and various kinds of VAT concessions have also been extended to the hoteliers in the state”, he added. Tourism Minister said that it is a moment of pride for all Punjabis that the Punjab has bagged top notch in the tourist circles of the country and this achievement of the state has been recognised by the Government of India by conferring ‘Most Progressive State in Tourism’ award to Punjab. He said that the state government has given series of incentives to enable the tourism flourish in Punjab

Mr. Thandal reiterated that the state government would spend Rs. 1000 crore in this financial year on various projects of tourism. He said that this ambitious plan of the government is aimed at achieving twin motive, first to conserve the religious and historical heritage and second to generate employment avenues in the tourism sector.

Divulging the various features which ensured top rank for the Punjab in Tourism in the country, he said that Punjab has wild life sanctuaries with a rare site of migratory birds. He said that the important places of tourist interests in Punjab are Golden Temple, Durgiana Mandir, Jallianwala bagh in Amritsar; Takhat Sri Kesgarh Sahib and Khalsa Heritage Complex at Anandpur Sahib; Bhakra Dam, Qila Androon and Moti Bagh Palace at Patiala; Wetland at Harike Pattan. Aam Khas Bhag at Fatehgarh Sahib, Ramgarh Fort at Amritsar etc. He said that SAD-BJP combine in Punjab has also constructed various monuments in commemoration of warriors, Religious saints and Sikh Gurus. In his regard he made special mention of Wadda Ghallughara memorial at Kup Rahira, Chota Ghallughara memorial at Kahanuwan, Baba Banda Singh memorial at Chupparchiri. He said that the war memorial at Amritsar and Memorial in commemoration of Guru Ravidass at Khuralgarh are under construction. He said that the construction of these monuments by SAD-BJP government in Punjab has provided big thrust to the tourism industry in the state.

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PUNJAB ANNOUNCES ROTATIONAL

IRRIGATION PROGRAMME FROM 6TO 13 NOVEMBER

CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 14:

The Irrigation Department, Punjab has announced the Rotational Programme for irrigation for the Rabi season through Canal water from 6-11-2014 to 13-11-2014. The channels and branches off-taking from Ropar Head Works, the channels of Sirhind Canal System would run on the priority basis from Patiala Feeder, Abohar Branch, Bathinda Branch, Bist Doab Canal and Sidhwan Branch respectively.

Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the Irrigation Department said that Ghaggar Link and its off-taking channels, i.e. Ghaggar Branch and Patiala Minor in Group “B” being in the first preference would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in direct distributaries of Group “A”.

The spokesman further said that for Punjab channels and Branches off-taking from Harike and Ferozepur Head Works, the Abohar Branch off-taking from Sirhind Feeder and its distributaries in Group “B” being in the first preference would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in direct distributaries of Sirhind Feeder in Group “A”.

The spokesman also said that in the Upper Bari Doab Canal system, Main Branch Lower with its distributaries, being in the 1st preference, would run to their indent. Balance water supplies available, would be utilized in Lahore Branch, Sabraon Branch, Kasur Branch Lower with their distributaries, respectively.

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Ø PUNJAB FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO RECRUIT 461 INSPECTORS

Chandigarh November 3: The Punjab government today re-initiated major recruitment drive in Food and Civil Supplies department Punjab as it has completed all the required formalities to recruit 461 food and Supplies inspectors in the department.

According to Mr. D.S.Grewal, Secretary Food and Civil Supplies Department, the Punjab government has already recruited 1289 Inspectors in 2010 and after that the department continued updating the appointment process in the department. Adding further Mr. Grewal said that the department would re-conduct the second stage written test for the 461 inspectors on December 7.

The Secretary also said that the High Court had set-aside the written test conducted earlier and had directed the department to make amendments accordingly in the second stage of the written test.

He also said that the government has lowered the pass percentage for the SC/ST from 35% to 30%. He also said that the government has ensured complete transparency and fairness in the procedure of appointments which would be based on merit.

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